This is my first foray into Linux. I downloaded Zorin from the website and flashed it onto a USB drive via balenaEtcher. I loaded it onto my gaming laptop and I walked away while it was finishing up copying files. When I returned some time later, the power was off. I pressed the power button and it lit up for about 3 seconds, then turned off. I did this a number of times. With nothing else to try, I held down the power button for about 10 seconds and now, it doesn't light up. The computer doesn't power on. It appears to be totally bricked. Help!!
Do you know how to getting into BIOS? (usually F2 or F6 key spamming, depending on the brand)
Hi, thanks for replying. I was able to get into the BIOS via F2 when I changed the priority to the USB drive in order to load Zorin. The problem now is that it won't power on.
Sounds like hardware failure.
Can you run the live USB of Zorin again?
In addition to booting it from the LiveUSB, please list your System Specs here.
There is nothing on the Zorin OS iso that will overwrite BIOS (EFI), so the machine is not 'bricked'.
I have two laptops. I tried loading Zorin on the laptop I'm using now, but could never get the BIOS to recognize the USB drive as a boot option. (In the BIOS, the drive was recognized only as a storage device.) I checked the ports and drivers and all was working fine. I ordered a new USB drive and in the meantime, I tried Zorin on my second laptop and all appeared to be working until now. The second laptop remains bricked.
Asking the obvious question: is secure boot disabled?
Also, if you can still access BIOS, can you still boot into windows from it?
I did not disable the secure boot. I can't access the BIOS because I can't power on the laptop. I don't know how I would boot it from the LiveUSB. I used the term 'bricked' in the lay sense that computer is completely inert, not whether Zorin or anyone else was to blame.
I do not see anything in your listed specs that could relate to this issue. The GPU may need a newer driver... but if that was the fault, it would fallback to Intel GPU or you would power on but see display with a blinking cursor.
I quoted two statements above that could use clarification: Were you never able to access BIOS EFI on this machine?
Or only unable to now, due to it not powering up?
Does the red LED light up on the computer?
What about unplugging the laptop and taking out the battery then putting back together and trying to start again?
Sorry I wasn't clear. On the computer that won't turn on, yes, I was able to access the BIOS and I was able to boot up Zorin from the USB drive. (On the computer I'm typing from now, I couldn't see the USB as an option.) I don't see any lights on. I will try to disconnect the battery later on this evening when I have time. I will have to check to see how accessible it is and whether I have the tools to access it. I'll let you know.
1 Like
I traced it down to a power adapter problem.
All set, thanks everybody.
4 Likes
While unpleasant, I call that a Win.
Because my first thought was something blew out on the motherboard.
Marked your post as solution.
1 Like
Try something different the next time you attempt to install the OS. Don't walk away? Watch ever step until it finishes?