Fixing Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit for Lubuntu 18.04

Fixing a Blank/Black Screen on Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit for a Smooth Lubuntu 18.04 Test

Abstract: Experiencing a blank or black screen upon booting a Live Lubuntu 18.04 on an old device running Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit? This article provides a solution to help you test Lubuntu on your Linux computer.

Created: 2025-02-09 by UserComp.com Editors

Title: Resolving Booting Issues with Lubuntu 18.04 on an Old Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit System

Introduction

This article aims to guide users who wish to test Lubuntu Linux on their old Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit systems. We will discuss the steps to download and create a Lubuntu 18.04 live USB, and how to boot and test it without affecting the existing Windows installation.

Downloading Lubuntu 18.04

Visit the official Ubuntu website (https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop) and click on the "Download Ubuntu" button.
Choose the "Lubuntu" option from the list of flavors.
Select the "64-bit" version, even if your system is 32-bit, as Lubuntu 32-bit versions are no longer available.
Choose the "Torrent" option for faster download speeds, or the "Direct Download" option if you prefer a traditional download method.

Creating a Lubuntu 18.04 Live USB

Download and install Rufus (https://rufus.ie/) on your Windows system.
Plug in your USB drive and launch Rufus.
Select your USB drive from the device list.
Choose the Lubuntu ISO file you downloaded earlier.
Set the format to "FAT32" and the scheme to "MBR partitions".
Click "Start" to create the live USB.

Booting Lubuntu 18.04

Insert the live USB into your system and restart.
During the boot process, you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS settings to prioritize the USB drive.
Once the Lubuntu boot menu appears, select "Try Lubuntu without installing".

Testing Lubuntu 18.04

Lubuntu will boot into a live session, allowing you to test the system without installing it.
You can explore the desktop, applications, and settings to get a feel for the Lubuntu environment.
If you encounter any issues or need to use the system for extended periods, consider creating a persistent USB, which allows you to save changes and settings across reboots.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully boot and test Lubuntu 18.04 on your old Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit system without affecting your existing Windows installation. If you encounter any problems or have further questions, consider referring to the Lubuntu documentation (https://manual.lubuntu.me/) or seeking help from the Lubuntu community (https://forums.ubuntu.com/forum/14).

References

Ubuntu Download Page (https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop)
Rufus Download Page (https://rufus.ie/)
Lubuntu Documentation (https://manual.lubuntu.me/)
Lubuntu Forums (https://forums.ubuntu.com/forum/14)

Tags: Windows Linux Lubuntu Troubleshooting

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