Unable to boot from an external SSD

[chzuck1]

I have Linux Zorin installed on a 256Gb external SSD and I am trying to boot it from my HP EliteBook.   I changed the boot order so the SSD is first.  When I try to boot I see the HP logo, then the screen goes blank and later I see the HP logo and this keeps going, but no boot to the SSD.  Someone posted something similar with a different HP laptop and I tried to follow the sequence to make sure my BIOS was set correctly, but my screens did not have the things listed like that one.  I need info on the BIOS that fits my HP EliteBook.  Most likely something is not set correctly. 

[Deep_World]

Hi  @chzuck1 
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

I understand how it can be when your external SSD is not booting as expected, especially after you've already tried adjusting the BIOS settings.Let me try helping you with this. 

To better understand the issue, could you please provide the following details?

• Was the Linux installation performed in UEFI mode or Legacy/CSM mode?
• Does the external SSD boot successfully on any other computer?
• Is the SSD connected directly to the laptop or through a USB hub/adapter?

In the meantime, kindly try the below steps and confirm :

1. Verify BIOS Boot Mode
   Enter the BIOS Setup (usually by pressing F10 during startup).
   Check whether the system is configured for UEFI Boot Mode.
2. Disable Secure Boot
   In BIOS, locate Secure Boot settings.
   Temporarily disable Secure Boot and save the changes.
   Restart and check whether the SSD boots properly.
3. Use the Boot Menu
   Press F9 during startup to open the Boot Device Options menu.
   Manually select the external SSD instead of relying on the boot order.

Kindly note that HP systems are primarily designed, tested, and supported with Microsoft Windows operating systems. Since you are using Linux, For advanced Linux bootloader or  configuration assistance, we recommend also reaching out to the Zorin OS/Linux support community, as they can provide specialized guidance for Linux boot issues.

I hope this helps. 

[chzuck1]

My BIOS does not look like what you list to do.  Before I really screw something up I am quitting my attempt to get the external hard drive to boot.  I will be satisfied with 3 out of 4 machines being able to access the external SSD.  I appreciate the help, but this situation is above my abilities.

[chzuck1 · Accepted solution]

Found a work around thanks to ChatGBT.

AI suggested the HP firmware was not recognizing the SSD with Zorin.  I selected Run A File from the Boot List (highlighted line in the photo below) and then entered the line below as it was given in steps.   \EFI\ubuntu\grubx64.efi and Zorin loaded and ran fine.

[Deep_World]

HI @chzuck1,

I’m glad to hear you were able to get it running successfully great job in navigating through the boot options.  
 

If you ever need guidance in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll be more than happy to assist you again and make sure your system runs smoothly.