Guestbook

Frank F
From: London

Close, but no cigar. Trying to USB install Mint 20 on a late 2006 white iMac. I know it can be done using a DVD, but then Linux problems arose and the DVD drive has now clapped out. It recognises the USB stick and starts to boot, but then something about "initramfs unpacking decode failed". Bum!
Spect I'll get there eventually, but I'm all ears if anyone has any ideas?
Hope this thread is still live, and thanks for the help.

Admin reply: Hi Frank,
I would try using the newest Mint. As I figured out even a 64 bit distro works. Finally I succeeded installing it. Unfortunately I didn‘t have the time documenting it. If Mint doesn’t work try another dist. Maybe your stick has a read fault. You see: just guessing!

UTC 2023|07|21 18:44:06 (@)

Albert
From: Tijuana Mexico

Trying to install LinuxMint to a MacMini1.1

What's up guys, I've tried several times using the method on this page but my macmini a1176 simply doesn't seem to recognize the usb, I don't get the boot option, any ideas, I'm not a linux expert, I've used it a little, I think my macmini deserves a second chance, instead of collecting dust or ending up in the trash

Admin reply: I would try some different USB-Sticks.

UTC 2023|05|09 16:47:22 (@)

Aaron C
From: Chicago, IL

Successfully installed Linux Mint 20.3 on Mac Mini 2,1 (mid 2007) after many attempts. Previously tried installing Linux Mint 21.1, but the machine would not boot after installation.

TL;DR
1. Use Ubuntu / Mint <= 20.3 (NOT >= 21)
2. Boot in Compatibility / Legacy mode
3. Format your disk to MBR / MS-Dos
4. Perform standard installation

NOTE:
According to users in the Mint forums, Ubuntu/Mint versions >= 21 uses a bootloader/installer that attempts to auto-detect your boot configuration and overrides your Standard / Compatibility Mode choice at the boot screen during installation. <= 20.3 respected your boot screen choice (e.g., Compatibility mode) and would attempt to install itself in this mode.

In the end, the Ubuntu / Mint installer reformatted my internal drive as GPT with an EFI partition, however, it boots as expected.

UTC 2023|02|20 15:16:02 (@)

Dennis Womack
From: Georgia, USA

Trying to install Ubuntu 22.04 to a MacMini2.1.

Used your procedure to create a USB Flash on a 32GB Flash.

It helps to remove power completely, rather than just using the power button.

The USB boots although it takes a long time. I get to the Try Ubuntu and Install Ubuntu screen.

I tried the Try Ubuntu and it seems to run ok, so I rebooted and ran the Install Ubuntu. It appears to have installed correctly.

Rebooting cold gets to a screen with a flashing folder with a question mark.

What now?

Dennis

UTC 2022|07|08 17:40:29 (@)

e
From: United States

i was directed to these instructions as a result of a post on Reddit. as a result, i have been able to install Ubuntu 22.04 on a Mac Pro 2,1 and can get to the desktop by entering the following commands at the grub prompt:

grub> root=(hd0,gpt2)
grub> linux /boot/vmlinuz root=/dev/sda2 quiet nomodeset noefi nosplash
grub> initrd /boot/initrd.img
grub> boot

however, i would like to configure grub so that entering these commands is no longer necessary. my attempts thus far only manage to bring up BusyBox. has anyone managed to create a grub.cfg file that gets them to the Ubuntu login?

thanks in advance!

UTC 2022|07|05 23:35:08 (@)

Colin

Does this preform a BIOS type install on a MBR formatted disk, or EFI install on GPT format. Goal is dual boot Windows 10 (already installed) and Ubuntu on my iMac 5,1. Thanks for the write up!

Admin reply: Hi Colin,
the Stick is a MBR with an EFI partition. As Nebhrajani points out a Mint install on harddrive is GPT with an EFI partition.

UTC 2021|12|13 17:59:19

Luciano Uceda
From: Spain

Thank you very much for the guide, i used to install Debian 11 on my 2007 Macbook.

UTC 2021|10|16 22:48:46

N.A. Ferrell
From: NYC

I used your guide to install the legacy 32-bit version of Bodhi Linux on my friend's (I think) 2006 Macbook. The install process went perfectly and other than an ominous delay after I hit "Install Lubuntu" - I had no issue at all installing Bodhi or using it thus far. Thank you very much for the guide.

UTC 2021|09|29 06:18:20 (@)

Owner of an Old Mac Pro
From: Earth

Just succeeded in booting to Lubuntu 16.04.

Ubuntu and Kubuntu wouldn't load (or maybe I was impatient)...

Didn't seem to work until I specified "noefi". Also, I have a lot of ram in this box, so I specified "toram."

Now onto the process of actually installing the OS and then upgrading to the latest LTS version.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PROVIDING THESE INSTRUCTIONS!!!

You saved me a ton of time!

UTC 2021|09|12 23:38:09 (@)

Vladimir Vasiljevic
From: Italy

Hi there,

It works on our old macbook pro 2,2 15", We have installed Lubuntu 16.04 and than upgraded to 18.04!!

Direct install of 18.04 or upgrade from 18.04 to 20.04 was a failure.

Thanks a lot for the instructions for making the usb stick.

Vlad

UTC 2021|02|11 18:52:23 (@)