HP Prodesk boot from usb /linux

[Adrian5750]

Hi.
I have an HP Prodesk 600 G3 - currently running windows 10.
I'm trying to get it to boot from a USB stick containing an installation image of Zorin (linux derivative).
I've followed various instructions online, and managed to get the PC into a state where it required a BitLocker Recovery key to boot..
I've now done that - so it now thinks it's a windows 10 box again. - which it didn't for a while last night.

So - before I spend any more time on it... is it possible to convince this HP box to boot from USB and install Zorin/Linux - or is is a futile task?

If it _is_ possible - can somebody please point me in the right direction?
If HP have it locked-down so anything non-MS isn't supported then that's grand - I'll throw this HP box away and buy a Dell instead.

Full disclosure - when I started with PCs they ran on two 5.5" floppy drives and had 16-colour displays - so the huge array of options and setting in the BIOS screens of this little box are truly baffing to this old dinosaur!
I have other PCs here (Dell rather than HP) and they have no problems booting/installing linux from the USB - but the HP seems particularly fussy.

Thanks
Adrian

[Vjx]

Hello Adrian5750 ,

Thank you for sharing the below details : 
- I have an HP Prodesk 600 G3 - currently running windows 10.
- I'm trying to get it to boot from a USB stick containing an installation image of Zorin (linux derivative).
 - I've followed various instructions online, and managed to get the PC into a state where it required a BitLocker Recovery key to boot..
 - I've now done that - so it now thinks it's a windows 10 box again. - which it didn't for a while last night.

We understand that the experience with HP Device has not been pleasant as it stands.

Thank you for reaching out. Regarding unable to boot from a USB stick containing an installation image of Zorin (linux derivative) issue you’re experiencing with your HP Prodesk 600 G3

- While we understand that you are looking to install Zorin (linux derivative) on your device please understand each device we manufacture has its own specialty and specifications supporting various platforms and variety of compatible devices.

- please review this guide as below to find out more on the OS systems that this device is being tested on and is compatible to function 

https://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA6-9229ENUC.pdf

- HP recommends Windows 10 Pro on this device

Further is should support the below OS Environments as per the document share above : 

Windows 10 Pro 64 – HP recommends

Windows 10 Pro.

Windows 10 Home 64 Windows 10 Pro 64 (National Academic License)

Windows 10 Home Single Language 64

FreeDOS 2.0

NeoKylin Linux® 64

**please note that attempting to upgrade or replace any hardware components on your own may not be covered under the standard warranty. It’s important to ensure the device is handled carefully to avoid potential damage

This will help us narrow down the cause and suggest the best fix.

[DGroves]

since i don't know what changes you have made here's how to correct it and boot from usb

if you made changes to the bios you need to reset back to defaults

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1262987/Hp-Prodesk-600-G3.html?page=123

now you need to change the boot order to look at the usb key before the systems inter hard drive (C)

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-boot-from-usb-drive-on-windows-10-pcs

some systems allow you to press a key during startup and manually select a one time device to boot from (all  boots after this will default back to the internal hard drive)

have the bootable linux install usb key inserted in the system and reboot

for most HP systems it's   At boot,  tap the esc key quickly '  then select 'F9'  then select the USB key and it should now boot from the usb key (all other boots should default to the internal HD)

[Adrian5750]

Hi there.
Thanks for your helpful reply - considerably more helpful that the 'official' HP reply above it!
I'll take another look at the problem when I have a moment - short term I've 'solved' the problem (Microsoft 'obsoleting' three of my four office computers by insistng that they be upgraded to Win11) by throwing money at it - and buying some ex-corporate Dell pc's which were Win11-friendly.

It'd still be nice to get the little HP box running Zorin - 'cos I hate to throw away a perfectly-good pc jusy 'cos Bill Gates says I should....

Thanks - I'll follow your steps once I get a few minutes to have another go.
One thing's for certain though - I'll never spend my hard-earned cash on another HP Pc that locks you into running a Microsoft o/s - or at least places roadblocks in your way when you try to leave the fold.

Thanks for your answer - it's very much appreciated
Adrian

[DGroves]

the reply posted before me was HP's official stance on providing support for only items they have tested and therefor support which makes sense as supporting unknown hardware/software configurations is almost impossible however i do agree the reply was excessively long to state that HP can only offer support for hardware that they have previously tested and approved

however i don't agree that HP is putting any roadblocks on your decision/desire to install a unsupported OS on your hardware since it's a non HP configuration any troubleshooting is on your shoulders not HP's and places like the HP user forums is one such place to get help for non supported software/hardware configurations along with the zoran linux user forums

good luck with your linux install,... post back if you still have questions

[Adrian5750]

Thanks.
Yes, I do understand the HP official position......
I did ask the question at the time (couple of months back) in the Zoran forums and I just got pointed to the standarad Zorin install pages - which wasn't particularly helpful, as that's where I'd started <grin>

There does seem to be a difference in approach between HP and Dell - in that the Dell boxes I have here are completely happy about booting from USB, while the HP boxes (2 of them) seemed very unhappy about the idea...

Thanks for your suggestions - as I say - when I have an idle moment I'll give it another go and see if I can get this HP box to play ball..... and I'll come back to you with feedback either way...

Thanks
Adrian

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

there is no defined standard configuration regarding boot order options the most common configuration is to have the bios default to the C: drive and if not found or non bootable proceed to either a optical device or another hard drive, then floppy

newer systems made within 5 years now change that to simply bootable C: drive and then attached bootable usb devices then network boot

this appears to be your problem, you were/are having issues changing the default boot order on system powerup to look at the usb device first instead of a bootable C:

i suspect your Dell systems have been configured in the bios to look at the usb ports first instead of C:

the directions i provided is considered a commonly used  method of selecting a alternate one time boot device on powerup/reboot  for most computers