#Trying to install mint on MacBook Pro 2007

50 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

hollow hollow
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The system has a Core 2 Duo, so it's a 64-bit CPU. I'm still very new at getting Linux to work. So I need help.

But whenever I try starting it up, I get a non-blinking cursor on the screen or the "Booting in blind mode" screen that never goes away.

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And sometimes, the cursor does disappear and nothing else happens

gray cosmos
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continuation of discussion here: #⛑triage message

hollow hollow
gray cosmos
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unless that mac is so ancient it needs a master-boot-record boot medium

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if it can burn a CD, get a blank cd-r or cd-rw, and put something like gparted-live ISO on it,

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with a program like Nero express on Windows.

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make sure that app is set to make a bootable disc, not a data disc when burning from an ISO

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or puppy linux , the small edition based on Focal Fossa (an older ubuntu codename) www.puppylinux.com

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Clicking Download on that page above takes u to a Mega site (mega upload - a file hosting place)

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get the F96-CE_4.iso

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538 MB. will easily fit on a CD-r

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or from puppylinux.com, get the slackware version instead of fossa version.

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S15Pup64 22.12

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leads to sourceforge: S15Pup64-22.12-250901.iso (441.5 MB)

hollow hollow
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In case you're wondering, I used Terminal on my current M1 mac to burn the current cinnamon distro.

hollow hollow
gray cosmos
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um no

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Mint will in all likelihood run slower than molasses on that old ass computer

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the point was just testing if puppy linux would even boot off a CD

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or make a bootable stick with Ventoy. need a windows computer to do that. and make it GPT . default is mbr in ventoy's option menu

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then slap something LIGHTWEIGHT on it.

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lightweight and FAST distros geared for ~20 yr old hardware would be Antix Linux, Puppy linux (2 flavours just mentioned) , perhaps MX Fluxbox linux, Void, Debian LXDE

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oh and Damn Small Linux.. which is somewhat influenced by antix stylings in recent incarnation

hollow hollow
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I'm attempting to burn the isos

hollow hollow
gray cosmos
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u gotta use a disc- burning program

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idk what ur doing

hollow hollow
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Okay, I tried the bootable USB on a newer mac book, and it just worked. Idk why it's not working on the older one.

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I really want it to work on the older one

hollow hollow
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The newer laptop brings up the logo fairly quick

restive peak
# hollow hollow Okay, I tried the bootable USB on a newer mac book, and it just worked. Idk why ...

Hello

Maybe I can assist if you are still having issues with your Mint install on your 07 MacBook

Older Macbooks I've found to be finicky if any os is installed via USB. Wich is why it is recommended to install it via Burned DVD.

Linux Mint Cinnamon 22.1 works very well for this (Possibly 22.2) however you may need an external USB device for installing wifi drivers with as it doesn't read the wifi out of the box during installation.

After you successfully burned the iso ( practically any program should do. I recommend Imgburn. I also suggest burning the iso slowest speed for disc longevity) pop the disc in your 07 MacBook, hold the options button on boot up, and click the 'Windows' disc that pops up. Not Efi.

It may take a minute for the Cinnamon desktop to load on the 07 so I'd get coffee or something. Alternatively xfce should boot faster if you don't mind the older looking less flashy desktop.

When your desktop fully loads, check to see if your wifi device is recognized. If it is proceed from there with the installation. After everything is installed, reboot. Wait for the desktop to load with the live disk, and then proceed to Driver Manager to see if the MacBooks built in wifi is working properly. Let us know if all is working well.

Hope this helps 🙏

hollow hollow
restive peak
hollow hollow
restive peak
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I gotcha man.

Linux can be frustrating at first but the rewards is worth it when the work is said and done.

Wish you luck and please let us know your results when you are ready 🙂

hollow hollow
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Oh great... now the computer won't turn on at all. No startup chime, but the light on the side turns on

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And now it works again...?

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Aaaaand it booted to blind mode again...

restive peak
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In order to best assist you I'd need to ask specifics.

Was this before or after you attempted to reinstall Linux Mint with an External DVD drive?

hollow hollow
restive peak
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From what I gather the issue maybe driver related.

We can do some trial and error that should garentee a fully functioning Mint setup.

First tell me how well did it work when you had windows on it? What version of Windows and for how long?

restive peak
hollow hollow
restive peak
# hollow hollow I couldn't get windows to install onto the 2007 MacBook pro.

Apologies. I may have mis read your earlier message about your Macbook spitting out the disc when you attempted to install Windows.

Still Give the Mint XFCE image a try :). With an external dvd drive. Incase your internal indeed has issues.

Let us know if the desktop boots up at least.

It's not as sleek as cinnamon but it should get the job done.

I myself am switching from cinnamon to xfce on my non pro 07 MacBook wich I took out of storage so I can work with you better on your journey of breathing new life into your laptop

hollow hollow