First: stay calm
Nothing you have done so far should permanently damage your computer.
You can always:
- restart
- remove the USB
- return to your original system
Help
Emergency Recovery (If Something Goes Wrong)
If something does not work, you are NOT locked out of your system. This process is designed to be safe.
Quick recovery (most situations)
If something looks wrong:
- Turn OFF the computer
- Remove the USB drive
- Turn the computer back ON
Your system will boot normally.
If Linux will not start
You may see:
- black screen
- frozen screen
- error messages
What to do
- Hold the power button to turn OFF
- Turn it back ON
- Try again from Step 7
If the USB does not boot anymore
Possible causes:
- USB not created correctly
- corrupted files
- wrong settings
If Windows does not start
This is rare at this stage.
You have NOT installed anything yet if you are still using Live USB.
What to do
- remove the USB
- restart the computer
If Windows still does not load:
- use your system recovery options
- or restart again
If installation failed
You may see:
- installation error
- system does not boot after install
What to do
- boot again from USB
- retry installation
If needed:
-> return to Step 5 and choose a different Linux distribution
If you are stuck in BIOS / UEFI
You may see:
- settings screen instead of normal boot
What to do
Look for:
- Exit
- Save and Exit
Then restart.
If keyboard or mouse does not work
Try:
- different USB port
- external keyboard or mouse
- restart system
If screen is completely black
Try:
- restarting again
- using a different USB port
- using another Linux distribution
Worst case scenario
Even in the worst case:
- your original system is still on the drive
- you can reinstall or recover
When to continue
Once the system boots again:
-> return to the correct step and continue
Ask for help
If you need outside support, contact a local Linux group before trying random fixes.
You can find groups listed on the main End of 10 site:
- take your device and charger
- bring your USB installer if you have one
- note which step failed
- take a photo of any error screen