I'm trying to install Linux Mint on an older machine running Windows 7 32-bit, using GRUB2Win to boot from an NTFS partition. I created a 5 GB FAT32 partition to run Mint Live, but when I selected 'Erase disk and install Linux Mint,' I encountered a problem. The installation reported that partitions were written but the kernel wasn't informed, and after rebooting, I got an 'invalid partition table' error. I disabled the PXE option in BIOS but the error didn't go away. I don't have a rescue USB or backup available, which complicates things. I'm now wondering how likely it is that TestDisk can repair the MBR or partition table without causing major data loss. I realize that trying to erase the disk without a rescue plan was risky, but what's my best move now?
3 Answers
It sounds like the version of Mint you used might not support 32-bit systems anymore. I think most people will have lost the Windows data after trying to 'erase disk,' since that typically wipes everything. You might want to check out LMDE instead, which can still work on 32-bit hardware.
Just a heads up, your Intel i5 can definitely handle 64-bit, so that part isn’t the problem.
Looks like the 32-bit architecture and MBR could be the main issues you're facing here. Sticking to those older options can lead to more trouble. Check your options if you can borrow a USB to boot with.
I’m more worried about that 'invalid partition table black screen' now. ChatGPT suggested I need a USB to fix it, and since I don’t have one, I’m not sure what to do next.
How can I solve this then? I really don’t have a USB.
If it’s just the partition table that got erased, TestDisk could potentially recover your file systems and help you rebuild the table. However, it doesn’t recreate a Windows MBR, so if you want your Windows install bootable again, you’d need a Windows 7 ISO to boot from.
I was thinking of switching to Linux Mint or Fedora, which is why I tried this in the first place. But without a USB flash drive, I'm kind of stuck here. If I can boot from a Linux distro, I shouldn't have to worry about the Windows MBR, right?
You're right; once you're booted into Linux, you won’t have to rely on Windows MBR as much.
How can I handle this? I don’t have a USB stick.