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Question

Maybe a not so unique problem I've never encountered before

Apr 7, 2018 3:21PM PDT

I'm looking to Install a new os on a machine but I'm running into a series of issues here...

Firstly, some info on what we're dealing with. I'm working with an older hp (with a finger print scanner ;D ) that was refurbished and has a wonky version of windows 7 home premium installed that needed to just be replaced. I was looking to install a version of Linux but before I could I ran into the first issue.

With the attempt to log into the only user profile (as far as i'm aware since it's my brother's unit and he's unsure himself) we get the following message "The User Profile Service service failed the logon. User profile cannot be loaded."
Naturally my first instinct is to just boot it in safe mode and use the console to get past this, or launch the recovery manager and go that route. Easy fix, right? Here's where the second issue comes into play.

The arrow keys aren't working. I have a feeling the keys may have gotten locked before the log on issue arose. The whole f14 + Shift solution crossed my mind, but this machine only has f1-12 and a couple of other keys in the follow order from left to right (scroll/num lock, pause/break, insert/print screen, and delete/system rq).

If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears and open to anything.

Post was last edited on April 7, 2018 8:30 PM PDT

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
You wrote you want to install Linux.
Apr 7, 2018 3:39PM PDT

I can't see why there is any issue stopping you here. To install Linux we boot our Linux distro from USB, DVD or such and begin the install. You didn't do that so is the real issue you want to fix this bum Windows or do you want to install Linux?

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The existing OS doesn't have any effect?
Apr 7, 2018 8:13PM PDT

I'm looking to completely wipe the bum windows from the computer and replace it with ubuntu or mint. I was under the impression I would have to have some sort of access to the desktop for the installation though. It seems my understanding of it is a bit off. I'm now assuming I just install it via USB, but what would become of the existing OS? I know in some cases people can run both on their machines, but in this case would the Linux OS just overwrite the shotty windows?

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Re: Linux
Apr 8, 2018 1:03AM PDT

Linux needs another partition than Windows. It's up to you if you want to delete the Windows partition first, or only make it smaller so you can install Linux in the space that came free.

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Partition Shrinking
Apr 8, 2018 8:51AM PDT

I've looked around for different methods of shrinking the windows partition to allow for the Linux installation, but I'm not having much luck with finding a method that doesn't require access to the desktop. What would you recommend?

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The method I used was
Apr 8, 2018 9:01AM PDT

To boot my distro of Linux and answer the questions about saving the current install by shrinking. It's usually a simple question and for over a decade I have never had to research this area. It's just included in many distro's.

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I don't follow
Apr 8, 2018 9:11AM PDT

I don't need to delete or shrink the windows partition to install Linux?

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That's not what I wrote.
Apr 8, 2018 9:17AM PDT

Also, it was in response to your post as follows:
"I've looked around for different methods of shrinking the windows partition to allow for the Linux installation, but I'm not having much luck with finding a method that doesn't require access to the desktop. What would you recommend?"

Today's distros just ask if you want to save the installed OS or replace it. My thought here is you are researching and not trying.

Try it next time.

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Selecting boot device trouble
Apr 8, 2018 10:17AM PDT

I've got an iso on a usb that I've got plugged in and I'm attempting to boot using it but I'm still running into the arrow keys not functioning issue so I can't select anything other than the notebook's hard drive. Any ways around this?

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ISO's on USB are not bootable yet.
Apr 8, 2018 10:28AM PDT

Maybe in the future the PC BIOS would support such but not today. The ISO is used to create bootable DVDs, CDs, USB sticks. ISOs are not bootable.

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Just in case you did boot up to Linux.
Apr 8, 2018 10:30AM PDT

If there are hardware issues like a bum keyboard, I pull out another and use mine.

I have a PC Medic bag with what can be described to be something like Felix's bag of tricks.

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Perhaps it's not an iso file
Apr 8, 2018 10:58AM PDT

I feel I'm not properly explaining what's going on here. hahaha
I used Etcher to create a bootable usb with the iso file.

I feel you may be right in thinking it's a hardware issue, but I unfortunately don't have a usb keyboard I can plug in. Are there any alternatives to this or would this be the only solid solution to the keys issue?

UPDATE: Fn + H, j, k, or l can be used as alternatives for the arrow keys! I've also managed to successfully boot from the usb and currently installing Linux; Mission success! 

Thank you for all the much appreciated help!

Post was last edited on April 8, 2018 11:12 AM PDT

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SOLVED.
Apr 8, 2018 11:39AM PDT

Anyhow, I see I didn't ask for more details about the PC so it's good to see you learned more about your PC since you'll have to deal with it long term.

As I haven't had to look deeply into this issue first hand as my PC Medic bag has the usual and sometimes unusual items you need on calls, that's why I didn't know your PC has FN alternatives.

Carry on. Install Linux, enjoy.