Linux Install with phoenix Bios

HTB

Hi folks,

Heres a problem I have with running linux on a laptop.
I got this very cheap as it had a broken screen. It runs vista 32 but no one likes vista - do they ?.

It is an IQon laptop but is a clevo model.
It has a phoenix bios and this I think might be my problem.
The laptop will not allow any type of linux to run at all.
I try to install any type of linux os and I get a black screen with a blinking cursor at the top left of the screen, the cd will stop running and thats all i get.
If i try to run any utilities based on linux, i get the same. I also tried to boot using a USB stick an i get the same thing. I took the HDD out and put it into another laptop, loaded fedora onto it no bother. Put it back into the IQon and nada

I spoke to an IT engineer recently who used to work for IQon and he says there may be something in the bios that only allows MS stuff to load. He mentioned there may be hidden menus in the bios accessed by a secret keystroke.

Anyone shed any light on this ?

Thanks

Mike

BOZG

HTB wrote: »

Hi folks,

Heres a problem I have with running linux on a laptop.
I got this very cheap as it had a broken screen. It runs vista 32 but no one likes vista - do they ?.

It is an IQon laptop but is a clevo model.
It has a phoenix bios and this I think might be my problem.
The laptop will not allow any type of linux to run at all.
I try to install any type of linux os and I get a black screen with a blinking cursor at the top left of the screen, the cd will stop running and thats all i get.
If i try to run any utilities based on linux, i get the same. I also tried to boot using a USB stick an i get the same thing. I took the HDD out and put it into another laptop, loaded fedora onto it no bother. Put it back into the IQon and nada

I spoke to an IT engineer recently who used to work for IQon and he says there may be something in the bios that only allows MS stuff to load. He mentioned there may be hidden menus in the bios accessed by a secret keystroke.

Anyone shed any light on this ?

Thanks

Mike

I had a quick google and there were a few queries about installing Linux on IQon systems. Have you tried updating the BIOS to see if it's just a bug with an older version.

Alternatively, you could have a look at Coreboot to see if your motherboard is supported and whether you can bypass the Phoenix BIOS.

As a fall back, you could try Wubi. It's not ideal but it's a possible workaround for the moment.

HTB

BOZG wrote: »

I had a quick google and there were a few queries about installing Linux on IQon systems. Have you tried updating the BIOS to see if it's just a bug with an older version.

Alternatively, you could have a look at Coreboot to see if your motherboard is supported and whether you can bypass the Phoenix BIOS.

As a fall back, you could try Wubi. It's not ideal but it's a possible workaround for the moment.

Thank you for the reply.
I found those queries too after a bit of googling. I had already tried to update Bios, the clevo site has a link to a bios update but it is dead. The phoenix site tells you to got to the manufacturers site.:mad:

I even looked at bios editors but they are very hard to get for some reason.
The coreboot does not list my board and as you say Wubi is not a perfect solution.

niallb

Check it with wubi. If that works, you don't have a major problem, as it is actually linux running. Far easier to pull the drive out of the machine, install linux with the drive in another system and then replace it in the iqon than it is to imagine forcing the BIOS into submission.

HTB

niallb wrote: »

Check it with wubi. If that works, you don't have a major problem, as it is actually linux running.

Will give this a go.

niallb wrote: »

Far easier to pull the drive out of the machine, install linux with the drive in another system and then replace it in the iqon than it is to imagine forcing the BIOS into submission.

Check my original post. Done that and no go.

niallb

Hi. I misread that bit. Sorry!
Is there a restore disk function mentioned in the bios?
Try both running it and disabling it, and see if it makes a difference.
Failing that, I'm pretty near you I think, and I'd love to have a look at a laptop that stubborn :-)

KAGY

I don't have a iqon, but I have managed to get xubuntu onto a samsumg v25 that has a phoenix bios. EXCEPT, the LCD display only works with an external monitor plugged in. i.e. plug in an external monitor to boot, then I can unplug it an use it as normal. Otherwise, black screen.

You could try that.

Johnboy1951

Do you have a different HDD that you could use temporarily?