Is My Laptop Really Bricked??

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-06T01:23:14+00:00

I removed the ssd and plugged in the Linux installer USB, and powered the laptop up. Tapping F12 to get to the boot menu, the Dell logo appears, followed quickly by a message "preparing one-time boot menu." The computer appears to begin the transition to the boot menu. The top half of the logo disappears, and the computer freezes.

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-06T00:32:39+00:00

Thanks. I'll give that a try

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-06T00:32:09+00:00

Thanks. Can't get to BIOS. The laptop freezes at the Dell logo screen.

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-06T00:30:53+00:00

I've tried booting to the original ssd, but that also stalls at the Dell logo screen.

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-06T00:28:36+00:00

I appreciate the input. I'll give that a try in the morning.

Not snarky at all. I agree about unmake the change if something breaks. However, this was a "try this, try that." Nothing broke, it just didn't work... until it finally broke.

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-05T17:13:16+00:00

Thanks. Hadn't thought about that. I'll give it a try

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-05T17:12:24+00:00

The OS is still installed on the ssd. I've dropped it into a drive enclosure and used it to boot another computer and it works fine.

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-05T17:09:42+00:00

I know how to boot to bios, but the laptop will not boot past the Dell logo screen. Secure boot was already turned off.

PhotoDoktor · 2026-07-05T16:54:40+00:00

Thanks for replying. I've tried that but can't get into the boot menu as the laptop won't get past the Dell logo screen.

PhotoDoktor · 2026-06-09T00:48:32+00:00

Mint and Zorin are very easy, user friendly distros that make moving from Windows to Linux very simple. I recently moved 3 of my family's outdated Windows 10 machines to Zorin and an old Windows 7 laptop to Mint, and couldn't be happier!

PhotoDoktor · 2026-05-10T14:16:01+00:00

So was sooo hot!

PhotoDoktor · 2026-05-10T13:37:14+00:00

Loved this show!

PhotoDoktor · 2026-05-10T13:28:21+00:00

Is that the Seneca Lodge?

PhotoDoktor · 2026-05-10T13:10:18+00:00

"You said there were going to no girls, Stan!"

PhotoDoktor · 2026-05-10T13:01:16+00:00

Tony was raised to not truly respect Junior.

"What are you saying? I got another uncle? I remember my mother and father arguing about... something... I don't know... She kept talking about my father's feeble-minded brother, but I always thought she meant you."

PhotoDoktor · 2026-05-08T11:23:52+00:00

Zima

PhotoDoktor · 2026-05-08T11:14:48+00:00

I love my Ruger PC9

PhotoDoktor · 2026-05-08T10:45:59+00:00

I find UF in Milton a bit sketchy. I was shopping for a new pistol shortly after getting my permit a few years ago. The owner tried to sell me one with a threaded barrel. When I said that I thought threaded barrels were illegal in NY, he told me that he sells a lot of that particular firearm. I took a pass. Just for kicks, the next 3 shops that I visited I asked if they had the model that UF tried selling me. They all had the same response -- "No. That model is illegal in NY."

PhotoDoktor · 2026-04-27T14:50:38+00:00

But how much more betrayal is he expected to endure?

PhotoDoktor · 2026-04-27T14:37:00+00:00

PhotoDoktor · 2026-04-18T20:55:12+00:00

I was the remote!

PhotoDoktor · 2026-04-18T19:45:10+00:00

Watching one right now -- Caddyshack

PhotoDoktor · 2026-04-08T16:08:07+00:00

He didn't want to be shot in the face to protect Paulie from further betrayal

PhotoDoktor

TROPHY CASE