I'm trying to install zorin os 18 over linux mint 22.3 on my 10 yr old dell computer. I was able to do this with no issues on my laptop which isn't that old however I'm unable to install zorin at all. The install program hangs at the copying files screen. I've tried everything I've read about this issue and I did have the same issue when I installed Mint on this computer but was able to fix the issue with the nomodeset command in the installer. That doesn't seem to be working this time around.
So far I've skipped installing updates during installation, I haven't connected to wifi, and I'm using the same usb stick that I used to install zorin on my laptop. I have a 2 TB hard drive and 60 gigabytes of ram so that isn't the issue. Both secure boot and fast boot are turned off as well.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to fix this problem I would be grateful. I just bought a new power supply, nvidia graphics card and upgraded the ram from 16 to 60 gigabytes so I really don't want to junk this computer after spending all this money on it.
Have you checked if the BIOS (EFI) on that computer is in need of an update?
I've looked on the Dell website but there isn't one available. The computer is so old I don't think there is one for it/
Welcome to the Forum!
@ItsMina's Advice is a Point. You should check if Your BIOS is in UEFI or Legacy Mode. Related to that:
What Tool did You used to create the Bootstick. Is it made in GPT (For UEFI) or MBR (for Lagacy BIOS)?
What Nvidia Card do You have?
How in Detail wanted You do that? Can You describe Your Steps?
It's on UEFI. I used balena etcher to create the usb. I will look at what usb ports I have.
Etcher ... Can be sometimes a bit ... tricky. Do You have the Option to use a Windows Machine? If yes, I would recommend Rufus. There You can directly choose on the ''Partition Sheme'' Option if You want use GPT or MBR.
Ventoy offers that, too. Or if You want use a Linux-only Tool, I can recommend Impression (I use that, too). But there You don't have a Choice. But it uses GPT. So, that would be some Options. I would also suggest to download a fresh ISO and verify the Checksum.
Besides that, there would be tthe Points:
I don't have a windows machine anymore. Both computers are linux. I have the nvidia rtx 5060. I will try the Impression etcher to see what happens.
Try ditching Balena Etcher completely removing it and use VENTOY instead. Completely make a new installation USB drive.
As you've tried without WiFi enabled, and you have a Nvidia card installed, I'd read this:
QUOTE: "When you reach the “Updates and other software” stage of the installer, please make sure that the “Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats” option is enabled."
I hope this helps resolve your problems.
I'm flashing a new usb using Impression and zorin 18 core instead of pro. If this doesn't work I think I will look for another distro. It's stupid that zorin installed on my laptop with no issues but won't on my desktop.
Just an alternative possibility. When you bought Zorin Pro you would have been offered a possible download of Zorin Pro Lite. This might be a better system for your desktop, and offers all the same software. I use only Pro Lite (XFCE as DE) on both desktop and laptop, that are not "old and low spec."
I will try the Lite version to see if it will install.
So far no luck with zorin 17 lite either. It hangs on searching for mirror. I will try to do an install with no internet as I've seen that can help. If it doesn't I'm switching to Lunbutu.
After spending most of the day trying to get zorin to install on my 10 yr old computer I've given up and switching to Lunbutu. No matter what I tried today nothing worked so I guess the computer is just to old to run zorin. Thank you to everyone who tried to help.
There is no brand loyalty in GnuLinux. It is a place that claims to support freedom.
Use what works. That is your computer and your experience. 