I tried hitting the ENTER key and that just did a 'restart' which ended in the black screen with one pixel in upper left corner 
Yes, I put USB in BEFORE starting. I got to Boot Manager, but can't get (boot) options - only 'ubuntu' - to display. Boot Manger isn't responding to up/down arrows for selecting options. Any other ideas?
Which tool did you use to create the boot stick?
It is not enough to download the iso file on a usb stick.
1 Like
Could You post a Picture of Your Boot Order? Of course with plugged in Zorin USB Stick.
1 Like
I don't remember which tool I used for USB boot stick. I did follow instructions for preparing USB to 'Administration' level.
Turn off secure boot and fast boot.
1 Like
I would remake the USB stick. If using GnuLinux, I recommend Ventoy, but you can use any etcher really.
(I avoid BalenaEtcher).
If using Windows OS, I recommend Rufus.
It may be that the stick is formatting to MBR (Legacy) or to EFI, which is the reverse of what the computer wants...
Ponce, the laptop is near DOA? - screen shot is not possible. Suffice to say the screen shows
Boot Manager at top, Boot Option Menu [in black lettering] ubuntu (SAMSUNG MZALQ256HBJD-00BL2) beneath [in white lettering] and under that [in black lettering] up arrow and down arrow to change option. ENTER to select option.
the up/down arrow keys are NOT responding to show change in boot options.
I do not see or can find any way to do that on Boot Manager
I meant make a Picture with Your Smartphone - if You should have one of Course.
1 Like
Thanks Aravisian - I will try making another USB boot stick. The laptop is currently based on Zorin 16.? though it was a Windows 10 (UGH!!) when I bought it. I think I formatted Windows OFF it when I loaded Zorin 16.? but Windows may cling to life like a tick.
Unfortunately I remain 'smart' phone LESS! I am so not a 'geek' but have been around computers since 1968! A programmer I will never be, but I once I understand a piece of software, I can usually make it sing and dance 
I am formatting another USB stick for downloading Zorin 17.3 onto. The instructions I kept for doing this offer setting up with Standard Windows NTFS OR FAT32 formats - which should I choose??
After reading about these, I choose NTFS.
FAT32 is recommended.
Isn't NTFS a more 'updated' type of file system? And the laptop had been set up for Zorin (Windows over written).
Then You are a Geek. But that isn't something bad.
At the End, that is up to You. NTFS is good when You use an external Hard Drive (HDD, SSD etc.) what You want use for Zorin and Windows; for a shared Back Up Medium for Example. the thing is: Zorin can detect NTFS, but Windows doesn't like ext4. FAT32 for a USB Stick is a good Format when it is 32GB and smaller.
If it is smaller that 32GB, I used and use now FAT32. Never had Problems with it and was recognized without any Issue. More important: What Program do You use to create the bootable USB Stick with Zorin on it?
1 Like
Yes I am more 'geek' than most average people I know, but while I do make lots of use of my laptop, I don't live to do that 
.
I followed the instructions given to me at this forum (so time back). I kept the (printed) instructions from a German member here that created an Administrator type of USB. I am in the process of downloading Zorin 17.3 from the main Zorin site. Aravisian's recommended Rufus but my laptop is not Windows any longer - only Zorin! Isn't the downloaded Zorin file 'bootable' OR clicking on the downloaded file (to open) make a bootable USB?
No, you need to download a tool like Rufus or Ventoy to create a boot-stick. The .iso file is not bootable. Before you do this take a look in your BIOS or the user manual of your PC if it is MBR (legacy) or UEFI.
1 Like
I have found NO WAY to look at my BIOS and user manual for laptop is rather useless too. The few interactions I have had in the past with Lenovo support led me to see that even they don't 'know' all the different set ups for models etc.. I have not been able to access BIOS information due to this 'black screen' problem.