I was trying to install Linux Mint on my mom's laptop because it was running really slow. I used Rufus to create a bootable USB drive, but when I attempted to install it alongside Windows 11, I encountered an error. Thinking it wouldn't detect the Windows boot loader, I erased the empty 140 GB HDD to make space for the installation. Unfortunately, after that, I realized I couldn't boot into Windows or the HDD at all. Some AI told me that I messed up the EFI when it made changes but didn't complete the installation. I've tried using the Linux Mint USB to run some commands, but it just said 'something was seriously wrong' and wouldn't work. I can't access another laptop with Rufus until Wednesday, and I'm really desperate for help! I've tried messing with the boot settings and spamming F11 to get to recovery mode, but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?
6 Answers
I just wanted to add, since you mentioned the laptop is a Lenovo ThinkPad, maybe check if there's a way to restore the system from its recovery options. That could save you a ton of trouble!
It sounds like you might have accidentally wiped out Windows when you erased that 140 GB HDD. That's not the right way to install Linux Mint alongside an existing OS. You're going to need a USB with a Windows installer to get Windows back on your laptop. Just make sure you don't erase the wrong partitions this time!
Did you format both the HDD and the USB with Rufus and Mint? If you can get to another laptop, you could create a new installation USB for Windows. If not, try to see if you can just restore the BIOS to default settings. That might help you get things back on track.
Yes, I do have a laptop with an Internet connection!
Remember, while AI can give suggestions, it's always best to verify them with actual people first. Don't just rely on the machine to solve everything for you!
Just to clarify, is the 140 GB HDD an old drive or just a partition? Does it contain any important files needed to boot Windows? If you boot up again, go into the BIOS and try restoring everything to factory settings. That could sort some issues out for you!
The HDD was a partition that was divided from Windows, so nothing crucial should be lost.
It seems like you've cleared out the partition table even without completing the installation. Don't panic, it can be fixed! Boot from the USB, delete any existing partitions on the HDD, and then choose the unallocated space to install the OS. Some distributions will manage that for you!
How would I wipe Windows on a different partition that isn’t connected to the Windows install?