I downloaded Zorin 18.1 (checksum matches). I tried balenaEtcher and then Rufus to create bootable USB-32GB. When I booted from the USB, both resulted in the same error:
stdin: Not a typewriter
/init: line 38: can't open /dev/sdb: No medium found
Unable to find a medium containing a live file system
You tried Rufus and Balena, so I think you are on the right track.
But it may be the USB Stick or the port, rather than the burn of the .iso that is causing the issue.
Trying a different USB port, not plugging into a USB Hub or a different USB stick are the best first things to try.
If none of that helps, using Rufus again, but burning in DD Mode could resolve it - or using Ventoy instead of Balena or Rufus; since it bypasses the burn/write process entirely and runs direct.
Welcome to the Forum!
If you are using a machine with EFI enabled Ventoy includes a MOK utility for enrolling your USB's Ventoy EFI to allow it to run. Be sure that you are using the latest version of Ventoy, 1.1.17. I had an issue with Q4OS 6.7 not booting off Ventoy 1.1.16, it now works.
I tried a different port as Aravisian suggested. Same error.
I downloaded Ventoy 1.1.17 and tried again. Zorin install hangs.
My Bios is in legacy mode. I chose MBR when using Rufus. USB stick is formatted FAT32. Windows Fast Start-Up is disabled. I did not see an option in the Bios for Secure Boot, but I disabled "Password on Boot".
Normally it should be on the Security Tab if Your BIOS should have something like this.
Can You switch Your BIOS to UEFI Mode?
Ventoy's Ventoy2disk does give an option to select mbr format.
Before we go any further, what is make and model of machine you are attempting to install to and specs of CPU, GPU and amount of RAM.
Are you attempting to dual-boot on the same Hard Drive?
I am using Dell Vostro 3550 Intel Core i5-2430M CPU @ 2.40GHz - 4GB RAM. Intel integrated graphics. Windows 10 Pro 64-bit. SSD 250GB is partitioned into C, D, & F. (I recently created F for eventual Zorin OS.)
I planned to try Zorin and, if OK, dual-boot. But the install has never reached the point of Try vs Install. I either got the above error or install hangs.
Did you use Disk Manager in Windows to shrink your C:/ partition to make room for Zorin?
Do You have an Internet Connection during the Installation? If yes, try it with an Offline Installation.
I've tried several combinations, installers, with and without an internet connection. I did not shrink my C-partition. I used unallocated space to create F-partition. Maybe the PC is too old.
I would like to thank all for your suggestions. But at this point, I have spent far too much time trying to install Zorin. And I probably used too much of yours. I sincerely appreciate your help. But I'm giving up for now. I may try again in a few months or with a different PC.
Thanks much,
Nick
This is a Help Forum. And You needed Help with an Issue. And we here to try to Help. So, we didn't spent too much Time. Soemtimes trying to solve an Issues needs Time. Unfortunately in Your Case it didn't lead to a Success.
I doubt it. Mine is ancient 2-core and runs ZoinOS fine. Don't give up.
Is the F partition, that you created by shrinking C to create unallocated space, formatted ext4 for ZorinOS? Are you using the "Something Else" method to install ZorinOS. (Sorry if these questions have already been asked).
Also important to check your BIOS. Then for your ZorinOS installation USB select MBR if Legacy or GPT if UEFI.
The Dell Vostro 3550 was manufactured between 2011 and 2013.
You might want to try using a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0, as some older Dell BIOS versions have compatibility issues with USB 3.0 controllers during the initial boot phase.
Thanks to all for your additional suggestions. I have spent days trying several methods and settings. Starting with BalenaEtcher, then Rufus (in both iso and dd modes) resulting in the "Not a typewriter" error noted above. Then Ventoy which hangs.
I tried install in regular mode, safe mode, grub2 mode. Same.
I had used the PC from 2011-2023 with upgrade to components (eg. SSD-drive, Win7 Pro to Win10 Pro) during this period and it ran fine. In my attempts to try Zorin, I tried USB 3.0 port and USB 2.0 port. USB sticks of 32GB and 64GB. I tried with and without an internet connection.
I did not shrink my C-partition. I had left 65GB unallocated when I installed the SSD in 2020, which I used to create an F-partition. I was never asked to use it during my install attemps.
No success with any of these combos. I may try again in a few months. Thanks again.
I had not planned to try again so soon, but I stumbled across the YouTube video in the link below, that addressed the same error for installing Linux Mint. It suggested changing the brand of the USB stick. The 2 sticks I had been trying were both Sandisk. I tried a Kingston USB stick and successfully was able to install Zorin 18.1! I don't have a clue as to why but all is fine. Thanks to all for your suggestions.
The YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuYveMpOrkw
