Lenovo Laptop > Unable to access BIOS / install Linux properly >
by Noob-Tech-Ninja from LinuxQuestions.org on (#6K0CX)
Hi there Guys.
I was really hoping that you could help me with an issue I've been dealing with.
Background:
I'm trying to help a friend with their old laptop.
It was originally running Windows 8, then Windows 10.
They REALLY want to play an old Windows XP game (Zoo Tycoon 2).
My intention was to:
1. Wipe the HDD
2. Install Linux (Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
3. Intall WINE
4. Install the game.
However, there are some complications with this -
The Laptop's keyboard and trackpad are unresponsive / don't work.
Although plugging in an external keyboard and mouse works well.
Issue:
I cannot access the BIOS / EUFI on the laptop.
I cannot access secure boot.
Troubleshooting / Steps already taken:
1. I have rebooted the laptop (at least 15+ times) trying various different ways
to access the BIOS (Using the F2 / F12 keys) and using the dedicated
novo key (located near the power button).
N.B. I cannot press Fn+F2 as I'm using an external keyboard.
Each time I get to the BIOS selection screen - Chosing any option
(BIOS / Boot selection / etc, etc). will make the laptop boot into the main OS
(Windows 10).
It seems nothing will let me access / enter the BIOS.
2. Removed the HDD from the laptop and connected it to my HDD reader on my own PC.
3. Booted into a live version of Ubuntu 22.04, then using Kparted
deleted the main Windows C: drive and the data drive
However I decided to leave the Windows recovery partitions, EFI, and some other
extra Windows partions still there (in case I need to restore Windows).
4. I then installed Ubuntu 22.04 to the laptopns HDD
Using seperate / (300 GB) and /home (500 GB) partions.
5. Putting the HDD back into the Laptop, it failed to boot into Linux.
But still seeing the Windows recovery partions, attempts to restore the Windows 8
OS back onto the HDD.
6. Tried numerous settings / advanced settings from a basic recovery screen
and it still will not allow be to access the BIOS.
Questions:
1. How can I access the BIOS / EUFI ?
2. If I can get into the BIOS, do I need to disable secure boot, to allow me
to install other OS's ?
3. Do I need to re-install Windows 8, to allow me to disable secure boot ?
4. Is there any other way to access and disable secure boot via Linux / Live CD / USB ?
5. Is there anything else that I need to do, or be aware of. In order to fix
this and get Linux installed correctly ?
TIA for any help or advice.
Laptop details:
Model: Lenovo G580
CPU: Core i3
HDD: 1 TB HDD (spinning HDD not SSD)
RAM: 4-8 GB
I was really hoping that you could help me with an issue I've been dealing with.
Background:
I'm trying to help a friend with their old laptop.
It was originally running Windows 8, then Windows 10.
They REALLY want to play an old Windows XP game (Zoo Tycoon 2).
My intention was to:
1. Wipe the HDD
2. Install Linux (Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
3. Intall WINE
4. Install the game.
However, there are some complications with this -
The Laptop's keyboard and trackpad are unresponsive / don't work.
Although plugging in an external keyboard and mouse works well.
Issue:
I cannot access the BIOS / EUFI on the laptop.
I cannot access secure boot.
Troubleshooting / Steps already taken:
1. I have rebooted the laptop (at least 15+ times) trying various different ways
to access the BIOS (Using the F2 / F12 keys) and using the dedicated
novo key (located near the power button).
N.B. I cannot press Fn+F2 as I'm using an external keyboard.
Each time I get to the BIOS selection screen - Chosing any option
(BIOS / Boot selection / etc, etc). will make the laptop boot into the main OS
(Windows 10).
It seems nothing will let me access / enter the BIOS.
2. Removed the HDD from the laptop and connected it to my HDD reader on my own PC.
3. Booted into a live version of Ubuntu 22.04, then using Kparted
deleted the main Windows C: drive and the data drive
However I decided to leave the Windows recovery partitions, EFI, and some other
extra Windows partions still there (in case I need to restore Windows).
4. I then installed Ubuntu 22.04 to the laptopns HDD
Using seperate / (300 GB) and /home (500 GB) partions.
5. Putting the HDD back into the Laptop, it failed to boot into Linux.
But still seeing the Windows recovery partions, attempts to restore the Windows 8
OS back onto the HDD.
6. Tried numerous settings / advanced settings from a basic recovery screen
and it still will not allow be to access the BIOS.
Questions:
1. How can I access the BIOS / EUFI ?
2. If I can get into the BIOS, do I need to disable secure boot, to allow me
to install other OS's ?
3. Do I need to re-install Windows 8, to allow me to disable secure boot ?
4. Is there any other way to access and disable secure boot via Linux / Live CD / USB ?
5. Is there anything else that I need to do, or be aware of. In order to fix
this and get Linux installed correctly ?
TIA for any help or advice.
Laptop details:
Model: Lenovo G580
CPU: Core i3
HDD: 1 TB HDD (spinning HDD not SSD)
RAM: 4-8 GB