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Linux mint boot error

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By Genesis and SheilaUpdated on June 3rd, 2022

What is Linux mint boot error?

Linux mint boot error usually occurs when there is a change in the BIOS settings or when using an incompatible device.

How can you fix Linux mint boot error?

Some of the solutions to this error include using a different configuration for the BIOS setting, creating a new bootable device, testing your hardware, and reinstalling Grub.

Please see our in-depth walk-through solutions below.

1. Set BIOS to UEFI or Legacy

"Linux mint boot error" may be caused by your BIOS setting when installing Linux Mint. Using a different configuration may fix the error.

Set BIOS to UEFI or Legacy
Image Credit: genesismarasigan / ErrorSolutions.tech
  1. Restart your computer.

  2. Press the key which will let you access Set-up / BIOS.

  3. Look for UEFI or Legacy, every BIOS has different BIOS interface. You may encounter Legacy only or UEFI / Legacy Boot or different.
    Legacy: Enable or set to Auto.
    UEFI / Legacy Boot: Set it to Both

  4. Save the change and restart.

  5. Then, try to boot again to your Linux Mint boot device.

If the BIOS configuration setting does not work, your bootable device may be the cause of the problem check solution below.

2. Create new Bootable device

"Linux mint boot error" may also be caused by your bootable device. Creating a new bootable device may fix the error.

DVD

  1. Make sure your Optical disk drive (DVD drive) is in good condition.
  2. Make sure you are using DVD-R.
  3. When creating a Windows bootable DVD, burn the Windows image at a slow speed.
  4. Make sure the DVD is in good condition.

USB 4gb or higher

  1. Make sure the USB port you’re using is in good condition.
  2. Make sure your USB device is not infected by any malware. This is the most common problem when creating a bootable USB.
  3. Also, make sure the USB is in good condition.
  4. When Creating a bootable USB, format the USB first.
  5. You may want to use a software that created USB bootable device such as Rufus (https://rufus.akeo.ie/) for Windows.

If you encounter the error during the installation process again, please test your hard drive as it might have a problem, please see Solution 3.

3. Test your Hardware

"Linux mint boot error" may also be caused by your hardware, specifically your storage device.

Test your Hardware
Image Credit: genesismarasigan / ErrorSolutions.tech

NOTE: Please remove, clean and reconnect properly the hard disk (HDD) and the random-access memory (RAM). Install Linux mint boot again, and if this fails, please see solution below.

NOTE: Some computer manufacturers have a hardware diagnosis software installed in the BIOS of the laptop mainboard or desktop motherboard. It is more advisable to use them to test HDD and Memory problem. You might want to check the manual or search for the internet if it has.

Test your HDD for a bad sector. Check its health and performance.

  1. Use a working computer and plug in the HDD where you would like to install the Windows.
  2. Click Windows Start and type in CMD.
  3. Right-click Command Prompt and click run as admin.
  4. In the Command Prompt type in chkdsk /r.
  5. Wait until it is done.
  6. Windows will tell you if an error is detected or not.
  7. Consider HDD for replacement if the error is detected.

Test your memory using Memtest86.

NOTE: For advanced users only.

  1. Download Memtest86. Please see link http://www.memtest86.com/.
  2. Create a bootable USB using the ISO image of MemTest86 or burn to a CD or DVD. A bundle software is included to create a bootable CD or USB.
  3. After you have created a bootable Memtest86, restart your computer and boot it to the USB or Disc drive.
  4. The Memtest86 will automatically test your RAM. If an error occurs, it will be in a red font. Therefore, memory is defective and consider it for a warranty claim or replace it.

4. Reinstall Grub

" Linux Mint boot error" may also occur if your Grub files are corrupt or some files are missing. You may want to reinstall Grub on your primary hard disk.

Reinstall Grub
Image Credit: genesismarasigan / ErrorSolutions.tech
  1. Insert your Linux mint bootable device and boot into it.
  2. Run Gparted Partition Editor from Unity Dash to determine where your Linux Mint is installed. Commonly it is installed in EXT4.
  3. Now, access terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
  4. In the terminal, type in "sudo mount /dev/sda5 /mnt" no quotes
    NOTE: Change the /dev/sda5 with your Linux Mint partition.
  5. Then type "grub-install --root-directory=/mnt /dev/sda" mo quote to procced in the installation.
  6. To determine if it is successfully installed a message will appear "Installation finished. No error reported."
  7. Then, update Grub 2 bootloader typing "sudo update-grub" no quotes.
  8. When finished, try to boot again.