Linux Mint Hanging Up On Boot Screen | Linux Mint Community🍵 | Page 1

viral glade May 7, 2026, 1:43 AM

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Hey everyone, I've got some questions relating to a USB install on a Thinkpad T420.

I was able to load into a virtual machine via the USB, but when I go to install, it hangs up on the green spinning logo.

I've tried to change bios settings, tried waiting, tried and tried and tried.

I have Linux mint running fine on my X220, but for some reason the T420 isn't having it.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Would it be worth booting from a CD ISO and seeing if that helps?

Any and all advice helpful.

wispy pendant May 7, 2026, 3:02 PM

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if you're using a VM, just attach the ISO file in the VM storage settings as a virtual optical drive.

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no need for USB in VM

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if you meant for a real installation, then disconnect any unnecessary internal drives first, before attempting. just leave the target hard drive in.

viral glade May 7, 2026, 4:08 PM

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There is only one SSD in the computer. I opened the VM, clicked install, it ran through the process from the USB, and then hands on the spinning LM wheel

wispy pendant May 7, 2026, 4:10 PM

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which thing u trying to do?

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of the two I said

wispy pendant May 7, 2026, 4:11 PM

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viral glade There is only one SSD in the computer. I opened the VM, clicked install, it ran ...

I take it you mean a real installation to hardware is the goal

viral glade May 7, 2026, 4:14 PM

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Correct. I'd like to get off of windows and onto Linux mint. It worked pretty well on my X220, but for some reason the T420 is being difficult

wispy pendant May 7, 2026, 4:15 PM

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you want to check three things:

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windows fast startup set to disabled

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bios mode in live environment: run efibootmgr
new partition table on main drive using gparted: set to msdos if bios mode is legacy; gpt if bios mode is uefi

viral glade May 7, 2026, 4:17 PM

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Ok thanks. I'm not overly tech savvy, but I will try that when I get home from work. Thanks for the reply and the suggestions.

wispy pendant May 7, 2026, 4:20 PM

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bios mode in live environment: run efibootmgr

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if it returns a bunch of stuff including a line saying "Boot Current: xxxx" , then you're in UEFI mode

#Linux Mint Hanging Up On Boot Screen