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New Windows Laptop - Want to Convert to Linux


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#1 LittleGreenDots

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 12:31 PM

I have a brand new never-activated laptop, Windows 11 - and I want to install Linux on it and I do not want a dual boot - all Linux.  

 

It is a Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IAH7. 

 

Just in case I want to revert to Windows, is there a way I can do that?  And how?

 

Also - is there a way I can check before hand to see if there will be driver issues went converting to Linux?

 

Thanks

 

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#2 cryptodan

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 12:47 PM

Activate windows first then download a Windows 11 ISO and create a USB, and then you are done and ready to install Windows again. Create the media of the restoration partition via IBM's tools on the computer.

Setup a 1 gig UEFI Partition in case you want to try Pop_OS! which requires a 1 gig UEFI.

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#3 LittleGreenDots

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 05:22 PM

If I just want to restore Windows, couldn't I just do a clean install from the ISO on the USB?  Do I need to save my Microsoft Key?  What are IBM tools?



#4 cryptodan

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 05:33 PM

You could do that, and your key is digital once you activate it. All new computers have a tool that is installed to create the media used to restore the system in its current state at a later date.

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#5 Porthos

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 06:14 PM

If it was my new laptop, I would get a new drive and pull the current drive to keep it intact.

 

Another option is to boot with a Macrium Reflect boot disk made on another computer and make an image of the drive.



#6 Dominique1

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 06:50 PM

If it was my new laptop, I would get a new drive and pull the current drive to keep it intact.

That is what I would do too.  I love opening a new computer with its fresh warranty. :hysterical:

Careful if going that route as you may have two drives, an HDD and a SSD.  You need to replace the right one, the BOOT drive.

PS: Some new laptops have the SSD soldered on the motherboard.  That's a huge bummer for me.  So the next best thing is to clone the entire BOOT drive before erasing it and reformatting it for Linux.



#7 cryptodan

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 07:03 PM

That machine only has 1 nvme.

https://store.lenovo.com/in/en/ideapad-gaming-3-15iah7-82s9014hin-927-1.html?orgRef=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F

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#8 Dominique1

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 07:13 PM

Duck Duck Go brought me to a different Lenovo store link.  As they say, buyers beware.



#9 cryptodan

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 07:16 PM

That's why I use Google I have trusted it more.

Post the duck duck go link

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#10 JohnnyBeeGood

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Posted 29 February 2024 - 07:26 PM

Live Linux distro on a flash drive.

You won't need to remove the drive, uninstall or erase the Windows install.

Keep it, store your Linux generated docs, data and what-nots downloads in it.

 

If you absolutely need to use a Windows app, well....just remove the flash drive and boot..



#11 LittleGreenDots

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Posted 05 March 2024 - 09:46 AM

I do apologize - I was unavailable for a few days.

 

Hmmm...one key point is I am not tech-endowed.  In order to do any of these things I will have to do some research online.

 

Unless I find a simple solution, one that I can handle, well - I'm nor sure what to do now.  One option is just forget Microsoft (I am not a big fan) and just install Linux without a thought of ever returning to Windows.  I can handle that from creating an ISO and there are plenty of videos on YouTube for that.

 

Thanks.



#12 cryptodan

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Posted 05 March 2024 - 09:56 AM

Yup just create a USB and use the entire drive for linux

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Arch Desktop - https://termbin.com/epij

Arch Laptop - https://www.termbin.com/dnwk

Ubuntu Server - https://termbin.com/zvra


#13 JohnnyBeeGood

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Posted 05 March 2024 - 11:23 AM

  .one key point is I am not tech-endowed.

 

I'm just a Linux user.

No training .

I didn't just 'do it one day'.

 

I had help and there's a lot of knowledgeable people here to help if you get interested in alternatives.

 

I do still find Windows useful. But I don't use it for Internet access.



#14 LittleGreenDots

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Posted 06 March 2024 - 07:14 AM

Bleeping Madman - I'm trying to understand this...

 

When I make an ISO USB - where in the download is my unique copy of Windows recorded?  Can anybody create a Windows OS ISO from any machine - or does the Microsoft website recognize my computer and its legit key?



#15 cryptodan

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Posted 06 March 2024 - 09:38 AM

You'll need to activate windows first on that machine

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