I bought a computer with Zorin OS Pro installed, and a recent update caused a kernel crisis, which prevents the computer from booting. I've tried everything, but apparently I need to repair the build. Unfortunately all the builder gave me was the installed software, so I don't have access to the source. I'd really prefer not to buy the OS all over again, so I'm hoping there's a workaround. Any suggestions?
Try to boot with an older kernel. During boot, press continuosly esc key to show the grub menu, and in grub menu select "Advanced options for Zorin" and then choose an older kernel for the next boot (not a recovery kernel).
If it works then, you can set this older kernel for a while as default:
u dont need the pro iso for a kernel mess. free core live usb of the same major version is enough to chroot and fix packages. license stays on the disk.
id try grub advanced options first and boot an older kernel (or recovery → resume / fsck / dpkg).
if that still dies, make a core live usb on another box, boot try zorin, then:
-lsblk
-sudo mount /dev/sdXY /mnt
-sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
-sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/proc
-sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/sys
-sudo mount /dev/sdXZ /mnt/boot/efi
-sudo cp /etc/resolv.conf /mnt/etc/
-sudo chroot /mnt
-apt update
-apt install --reinstall linux-image-generic linux-headers-generic
-update-grub
-exit
-sudo umount -R /mnt
swap sdXY/sdXZ for ur root + efi from lsblk. then reboot off disk.
Thanks, but I tried that, and it didn't work. I spent the last 20 hours trying everything I could think of, but it seems I need to rebuild some corrupted files, and that means accessing the source. Zorin Core can't fix it. I was hoping I could talk to someone from Zorin about it, explain my circumstances, but that seems impossible. The problem is I didn't purchase the OS directly. I bought it installed, so I don't have the license, and the builder is retired and can't be bothered, so no help there. I'm at my wits end, so I was hoping someone on the forum might have an idea, but it looks like I'll have to buy the OS again to put the license in my name. At this point I don't know what else I can do.
Welcome to the Forum!
When You would have the Licence Key, You could install core and then use the Upgrader but so ... You could send a Message here:
But You have to try if You can do it without the Support Code.
In order to have an idea, a clear description of what is wrong is needed.
You do not need a Zorin OS Pro .iso nor source files to repair what you have described, so far.
Zorin OS Pro includes direct installation support from the Zorin Group, Extra Layouts and bundled software - no Critical System Components.
What Grub Repair or Boot repair have you tried?
If at your wits end, you also could reinstall using Zorin OS Core.
If I could figure out what's wrong, I'd tell you, but the cause eludes me. I tried using Core to fix it, I tried updating drivers, reinstalling packages, remounting devices, boot-repair, grub repair, changing boot parameters, using ubuntu-drivers, following every lead I could find on-line, and nothing has worked. Some advice actually made things worse. It started when Kdenlive refused to open video files, but I quickly realized the problem was much deeper than that, and before long I could no longer boot up, even with Core on a USB. Inserting "nomodeset" into the "Quiet Splash" parameter allowed me to get past the start screen for a while, but now it doesn't work anymore, so once again I'm restricted to BIOS and BOOT commands, which haven't solved the problem. I'm basically out of ideas. My only recourse seems to be using the installation software to repair/replace corrupted files. From what I read, that should work, but even if it doesn't, I could at least reinstall the OS and start fresh. As it is I'm stuck with a broken machine and no idea how to fix it.
From this, it sounds like you are unable to boot into a graphical session, and that you do not know the cause of it.
If you knew the cause, you would know which files are corrupt to replace - but you do not.
And... Zorin OS Pro does not include any different GPU drivers, Graphical tweaks or anything - Even if you were sent a Zorin OS Pro .iso, you would run into the same trouble as you have using Core .iso.
To narrow this down; What GPU are you using? What specs are your computer?
There have been some rather catastrophic updates updates recently:
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I understand that the Zorin OS Pro installation software might not fix the problem, but if I had it then at least I could reinstall and start over. That's better than owning a $1500 paperweight. The problem may be related to the updates mentioned above, but I can't confirm that. All I know for certain is that I can't use my computer anymore, and I have no idea what to do about it. I believe there are issues with the graphics drivers (AMD and Nvidia), and the motherboard (Gigabyte) is acting strangely, but I don't know why. Zorin Core on a USB seemed like a good resource for addressing the problem, until it stopped working for no apparent reason. I can't tell you much more than that, because I can no longer use my machine, so my efforts to understand and correct the matter are currently at a standstill.
Can we narrow this down?
What GPU are you using? What specs are your computer?
Sorry, I don't know the exact specs, and I can't boot up to check. I know I have an AMD Ryzen 7 8-core processor, 16 GB of memory and an Nvidia graphics card. I knew what was what when I bought the machine, but since then I've forgotten the details. I wish I could be more helpful, but I'm more of a pilot than a mechanic. I can make the machine fly, but I don't know a lot about what makes it go. I can follow instructions and report results, and i probably understand IT better than most people, but I'm definitely not an expert. I'm learning, but I'm not the best person to go to for computer repair. Unfortunately I'm all I have.
nvidia on that ryzen box will black both installed and live if the modules load wrong.
at grub e add one of these on the linux line:
-nomodeset
-nvidia.modeset=0
-module_blacklist=nvidia,nvidia_drm,nvidia_modeset,nvidia_uvm
from a live that boots (or the same chroot as b4):
-lspci -nn | rg -i 'vga|3d|nvidia'
-dpkg -l | rg -i nvidia
-sudo apt purge '^nvidia-'
-sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
-sudo update-initramfs -u && sudo update-grub
Thanks for the recommendations, but I already tried most of those suggestions without success. I'm concerned that so many changes have been made in an attempt to fix the problem that some changes, alone or together, may have made things worse. At this point I've tried so many fixes that I couldn't possibly remember them all.
If you have tried all of the suggested fixes, including boot repair, GPU settings and modesetting, drivers... All to no avail, and trying to while not entirely sure of the hardware - I fully agree that a fresh reinstall is the best option rather than chasing ghosts.
We cannot help you obtain a copy of Zorin OS Pro, to do this. It is not verifiable that whoever sold the machine to you obtained it properly; Indeed, it may be the cause of the issues you are experiencing. Illicit copies often are altered to contain malware.
Since you already have a copy of Zorin OS Core, I would suggest reinstalling and ensuring all is working.
Let's get back to the original post. You stated that you bought the machine built for you. The only verified suppliers of Hardware with Zorin Pro pre-installed are here:
Other than these suppliers Zorin Pro is only available to purchase through the official website. I think your pcbuilder sounds a bit dubious and wonnder if they are using a pirated copy.
Can we assume that Zorin OS Core on USB boots when you select "Try Zorin" mode?
I would tend to agree that installation of Core over the failed installation of Pro would be the quickest way to get up and running.
You can always add extra software as required. The only thing you would miss from Pro would be the additional screen formats.
When You should consider a fresh Installation, You can save Your Data when using the Bootstick and start it in Live Mode. There open the File Manager and go at the left side to ''Other Places''. Then click on Your internal Drive on the right Side. Then, You can click through the Folders to copy Your Data.
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The builder finally replied to my phone messages and e-mails. It seems he lives on the east coast now and rarely checks his old business phone and e-mail account. He sent me the license verification e-mail. What should I do next?
I would check it for validation by contacting Team Zorin via this page explaining your situation and details of the person who sent you the verification code:
In the Mail, You should find a Support Code. Use @swarfendor437's Link for a Request. There, You have to type in this Code.
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