Refurbished Dell Latitude E6420 - Mint xfce running from USB locks up within seconds

Linux Distributions
1

Hi all,

Trying to install Linux Mint 20.2 Xfce from USB on a refurbed Dell latitude E6420 running Windows 10. I’m trying to evaluate if I want to install dual boot or replace Windows. I manage to get it to boot from USB and it sets up the desktop nicely, lets me move the mouse or type a little, then just locks up cold. No keyboard, nothing. Power button shutdown is the only way out.

  1. Should I try a different distro?
  2. Should I try a different installation method? (Not sure if I can even get a terminal window to stay open; any other options?)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

2

Is this the model with 4gb of ram and i7 running 2.8Ghz?

3

Hey @pintsize!
Mint can do that every now and then with old systems. It sounds like a graphics issue to me, personally that is affecting the Desktop Environment. How much RAM does your system have?

As for Distros, you might give Zorin Lite a go as it’s known to be quite light and runs almost on every system. The other day I installed it easily on an old 2008 iMac and now the system flies.

4

Thanks, Vasileios! This machine has 4GB of RAM. Not sure if that’s the issue, or if it just doesn’t want to install off USB. I am now trying Puppy from CD to see how that runs. So far, it’s working.

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5

Yes, it is. Any glitches or issues I should be aware of?

6

My very first thought is if you have Secure Boot active on your BIOS. It tends to block additional Kernel modules every now and then… when it doesn’t stop a Linux installation outright!

7

I was able to finally get it installed and running. Not sure if I need to do anything to close this thread. Thanks for the help I received here and on the TG channel.

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