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[Keith]

That's a relief!  You can now disconnect the USB HDD if you want to. 

You mention Rufus live-usb creator:  I have no experience of it, but if you have it installed and can remember how to use it, follow the instructions here: https://www.thepcinsider.com/create-bootable-linux-live-usb-rufus-windows/.  If your Rufus is a very old version it might not look like what you are shown there, in which case it would be good to update it. 

Alternatively you could install Unetbootin as it's easy to install and easy to use.  Your choice.

Keep us informed of progress.

Keith

[donwatson]

Hi Keith,
The version shown in that link is 2.18.1213 and the version i have is 3.14.1788 and I can't understand it. It is the same as the setup shown on the peppermintos.com site that has not been updated since 2016.
Should I download unetbootin if that would be easier and would it be better creating it on a Linux computer or a Win 10 as I have both ??

[Keith]

OK let's try installing Unetbootin.  If your Linux box is working reliably then why not use that?  It's ages since I installed Unetbootin so I'm not sure if this will work.  I found the instructions on https://unetbootin.github.io/linux_download.html (https://unetbootin.github.io/linux_download.html)
In a terminal enter:

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sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gezakovacs/ppaThen

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sudo apt-get updateThen

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sudo apt-get install unetbootin
And report progress.

[donwatson]

I am sorry Keith. I have used the win10 machine with rufus and created the live USB.
I tried installing Peppermint 10 and it got so far but then came up with an error
"The grub-efi--amd64-signed package failed to install to /target/. Without the GRUB boot loader, the installed system will not boot".
There was some more about sending a report but I gave up and shut the laptop down. I am now working on the win 10 machine to send this message.
Can I set up Unetbootin on this win 10 machine and make another live USB from that using the failed rufus live USB ??

EDIT when I switch on the Linux laptop I get a screen that says GNU GRUB 2.04  ' Minimal BASH-like' line editing is supported. For the first word, TAB lists possible command completions. Anywhere else TAB lists possible device or file completions.

[Keith]

Full marks for trying Rufus! 

Searching the web (https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=241379 (https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=241379)) came up with two possibilities to try before attempting the installation:
1. Make sure that your USB HDD (and any other device) is removed
2. "Try installing without an Internet connection (disable any wifi connection / disconnect the network cable). There is an issue affecting some users where GRUB fails to install when connected to the Internet."

Keith

[donwatson]

Sorry I didn't see this earlier. I have been back to this win 10 machine and downloaded unetbootin. I have made another live USB from the failed rufus one. I have been back to the laptop and started (almost finished) installing and have met with the exact same problem "the grub package failed to install". This is almost a week I have been trying this and at my age I don't think it worth the hassle.
I will shut down the laptop and try and install Pep10 without the internet. I will let you know.

[donwatson]

Hi Keith,
I am back and am on the laptop using Peppermint 10. It has been a bit of a struggle and I can only offer my heartfelt thanks for the work you have put in, I couldn't have done this without your guidance.
I tried the live USB again without the internet and it all went smoothly, I have just logged in to my service provider (SKY) and it seems ok.
I will let you know how I get on once I have settled down, Thanks again.
take care and stay safe
Don W

[Keith]

This is very good news, Don.  Well done. 

Keith

[donwatson]

Hi Keith,
Can you explain how to use the backup drive I made for this installation ??

I have met the first little problem already with Firefox, when I click on the icon it opens the Peppermint start page which I don't want. Do you know how I can alter this to open Firefox ??
Don
PS I have installed (I think) Google Chrome and it opens with the Peppermint OS page as well

[Keith]

For future backups, plug in your USB HDD then wait a bit for it to be recognised, then

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usb=/media/don/TOSHIBA/Backupthen

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rsync -a -delete Documents Pictures Downloads sky_stuff Pictures .mozilla $usb 2>/dev/nullIf necessary we can make this simpler using "aliases" - (leave that for another time, I think). 

Firefox
Not sure what you mean here. 
1. By "Start page" do you mean the screen that appears once Peppermint has loaded?
2. Do you mean clicking on the FF icon (or the Chrome icon) in the menu?  And do you mean that clicking on it has simply no effect?
3. Are these the only icons that don't work?

Keith

[donwatson]

Thanks for the info. on backups

I want to access my email accounts at GMail and Hotmail. When I click the Firefox or Google Chrome icons I get a PeppermintOS page with something about duckduckgo. As well as the peppermint page when I click on Google Chrome it says "Google Chrome isn't your default browser" 'Set Default'.
So what I am trying to say I can't access my emails
Don

[Keith]

It looks like everything is working normally.

Unless I have misunderstood, from your description Firefox has started and sent you to the very secure DuckDuckGo search engine, which has been set as your default start page, rather than Google or Chrome (both of which track you all over the web and create a profile of your habits).  This is good. 

To access your emails, type into the address bar either hotmail.com or gmail.com (or gmail.co.uk is that's where you registered). 
Then log in as usual. 

Keith

[donwatson]

Thanks again Keith, I have access to my accounts now.
Don

[Keith]

If you are happy that all is well, please mark the title of your first post on this topic as [SOLVED].

Thank you.
   Keith

[donwatson]

Running well for a couple of days now but still got one or two niggles with minor (easily solved) things.
Thanks again for all your help
take care and stay safe
Don W