Installing a non windows OS (kali)

[DFD1358]

I want to install (any) Linux distro on this laptop, EliteBook 8440p.

I have the iso of the distro, but I can't seem to get this machine to boot from the cdrom drive or boot from usb.

I have been through the bios setup several times, it won't even boot with UEFI disabled.

Any ideas on how to install another OS?

[WAWood]

Sorry, no.  HP provides no support for Linux distros.  You have to contact the support forum for the distro you are planning on using.  Just be aware that once you do this, you are on your own regarding any further technical support on your laptop and you will NOT be able to do any BIOS updates in the future because those only run in Windows.

[BeemerBiker]

WAWood is correct about the distro support and BIOS update.

 I have had some experience with Ubuntu.  If your BIOS is UEFI  you need to install Ubuntu using the UEFI option.  Older bios that is MBR you need to select MBR when running the installer.

If Rufus does not allow MBR to be selected, then Rufus has examined your ISO and determined it can only be installed on a UEFI system.   Vice-Versa also.

I am only familiar with Rufus assisted installers.

[edit]

For additonal help with linux visit the ask Ubuntu forum;


Some advice: Do not register and start asking questions. You will quickly be banned as a leech and have to get another email. Use their search engine to look around first. My philosophy is the only dumb question is the one not asked. Unfortunately, StackExchange, which runs AskUbuntu, does not have much patience with Newbies.

Another place to ask questions is ChatGPT and anyone that can type and press the enter key can ask a question. You have to register. Start with ChatGPT and use the AI's answers to search AskUbuntu for more detail than the AI can provide.

[DFD1358]

I’m not so much interested in keeping windows on this laptop and not too worried about it being supported.

 What i really want to know is why can’t i disable uefi and just go with legacy bios.

 If i disable uefi, i get the bootloader error, once i reset to factory and reset bios, i am able to get another os to boot from the cd drive.

how do i disable secure boot on this hp elitebook 8440p, never fear, I take comprehensive notes when i do these things.

[BeemerBiker]

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I have been through the bios setup several times, it won't even boot with UEFI disabled.

Any ideas on how to install another OS?

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What do you mean by UEFI disabled?  

The bios is either UEFI or it isn't.   Recent UEFI systems have CSM support which is a new feature and unlikely to be on an older laptop.

I do not have 8440p and I assume there is an option for legacy boot which you selected.

The MBR setup below should  install on your loptop.

If GPT is used you must have UEFI and cannot have legacy support enabled