Ceci est une ancienne révision du document !
My goal was to install Ubuntu Linux 14.04, but then Windows 8.1 and related changes ruined my good plan.
In late July of 2015, I got the idea to replace my oldest desktop computer, so I purchased a refurbished desktop at my favorite local computer store. The computer came with Windows 8.1 installed, and my plan was to replace that with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS as I had previously done several times from Windows XP on two desktops and my Acer Netbook. Those earlier experiences had learning curves, but nothing that was a serious problem. However, this time, trying to install Ubuntu to replace the Windows 8.1 could be called very frustrating at best and a disaster at worst.
I started the process a few days before leaving on a two-week vacation trip. At first I could not even get Ubuntu to install to the HD of the new computer. Some agony and more reading, and a few things that I failed to record, got me to the point where Windows 8.1 was gone and Ubuntu was installed. Along the way, I used GParted and deleted or modified partitions and, as noted above, did a few things that I unfortunately did not record. Installed - yes, boot into Ubuntu - NO.
After hitting the “it will not boot” wall, I set it aside and left for vacation. Sadly, my brain continued to rehash the frustration as I traveled. I had only my Kindle Fire tablet with me so it got some workout searching Google for information regarding the problem I had encountered. I read much then and more online after returning home.
Once home, I turned to solving the ‘will not boot’ problem. Again, some frustration and agony, but no success. At that point, my brain asked “why don’t you return this computer and get one that has Windows 7 installed?”. That thought came from reading about Windows 8, Secure Boot and UEFI. You can search those things on Google as I did. I took my brain’s advice, got a refurbished computer with Windows 7, installed Ubuntu 14.04 LTS from a USB drive with no problem, and once more became a happy Ubuntu user.
In hindsight it is not clear to me if I created part of my problem, but I do not think I did. After my reading, talking at the computer store and reading/emailing the computer manufacturer Support, I was still confused. Certainly Windows 8 changed the install/boot process, but there was some info that said the computer lacked basic support for Linux drivers and could not run Linux as an OS. Did not sound right to me, but I was wanting to get this frustrating problem behind me so I pressed on to success with the Windows 7 computer as noted above.