Ubuntu

Boot problem

Asked by wordsmyth2

I recently installed Ubuntu 13.04 on my daughter's new notebook, an Acer Aspire E1-531, using the entire hard disk as per usual because we don't need Windows' bloatware. This is the practice I have used for lo! these past seven years, being a confirmed Ubuntu user: it's ease of operation and lack of virusware suits my needs.. However, when I'd completed the installation and re-booted, I received the following error message: HDD HAS BEEN BLOCKED BY THE CURRENT SECURITY POLICY and the computer refused to boot from the hard disk. I had not entered ANYTHING in the way of security, just followed the usual Ubuntu prompts, and I'm wondering if this is a new Microsoft ploy to STOP people installing alternative OS systems. If I change the boot order in BIOS, I can't even boot from a USB or CD - I get the same error message. Also, as I'd installed Ubuntu several times previously on other machines, I didn't make a 'rescue' disk for Windows 8 before installing Ubuntu - a grave error, it seems. I haven't yet contacted Acer Support re this problem because I'm concerned that I may have voided my warranty by installing Ubuntu. Could someone Out There enlighten me on how to fix this?

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Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

Disable the secure boot in BIOS. It's not a Microsoft anything it is a hardware setting.

Revision history for this message
wordsmyth2 (wordsmyth2) said : 		#2

        Thanks for this advice. I entered the BIOS and found the following:

        HDD PASSWORD 'FROZEN'.

        SET SUPER PASSWORD was the ONLY item highlighted - it displays:
        [enter]

        The SELECT BOOT MODE is Standard - but the cursor will not move
        to any of the other items, which are pale grey, so I can't
        navigate through the list.

        Most perplexing - and frustrating.

        I've hooked up a pocket drive running Ubuntu 12.04 to the Aspire
        as - hopefully - a temporary solution. I've had minor problems
        in the past with Ubuntu, quickly resolved - and installation was
        always a breeze. But this one is a doozy ....

        On 23/09/13 17:06, actionparsnip wrote:

> Your question #236153 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/236153
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> actionparsnip proposed the following answer:
> Disable the secure boot in BIOS. It's not a Microsoft anything it is a
> hardware setting.
>

Revision history for this message
N1ck 7h0m4d4k15 (nicktux) said : 		#3

Hello,

NO warranty could be voided if you install another OS. If you want to contact Acer Support, then do it. They cannot void your Warranty because you installed an Operating System you like.

Read here about the Frozen state.. check the drive with hdparm .

https://ata.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/ATA_Secure_Erase#Step_1_-_Make_sure_the_drive_Security_is_not_frozen%3a

and follow some instructions, that could possibly unfreeze the drive. If not, then maybe is a BIOS problem and you MUST contact to Acer Support for a BIOS update or completely replacement.

Regards
 NikTh

Revision history for this message
wordsmyth2 (wordsmyth2) said : 		#4

    Many thanks for your advice, Nik. Will do as you suggest. :-)

On 23/09/13 20:41, Nik.Th. wrote:
> Your question #236153 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/236153
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> Nik.Th. proposed the following answer:
> Hello,
>
> NO warranty could be voided if you install another OS. If you want to
> contact Acer Support, then do it. They cannot void your Warranty
> because you installed an Operating System you like.
>
> Read here about the Frozen state.. check the drive with hdparm .
>
> https://ata.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/ATA_Secure_Erase#Step_1_-
> _Make_sure_the_drive_Security_is_not_frozen%3a
>
> and follow some instructions, that could possibly unfreeze the drive. If
> not, then maybe is a BIOS problem and you MUST contact to Acer Support
> for a BIOS update or completely replacement.
>
> Regards
> NikTh
>

Revision history for this message
N1ck 7h0m4d4k15 (nicktux) said : 		#5

If you solve the problem, do not forget to come back and click the button "This solved my question".

Regards
 NikTh

Revision history for this message
wordsmyth2 (wordsmyth2) said : 		#6

Many thanks folks, for all the good advice. Not familiar with manipulating BIOS, but a re-set to DEFAULT SETTINGS finally solved the problem!