Background
Hello all, I'm trying to revive an old laptop (HP ProBook 4540s) that was running an old version of Windows 10. This is my first time running Linux on a PC (outside of some small virtual machines). I downloaded Ubuntu 22.04, flashed it onto a USB using balenaEtcher, and installed the OS onto the laptop from there. My BIOS was configured to boot with UEFI. On booting from USB, I was given a few options at the GNU GRUB menu. I first noticed something wrong when my computer would freeze up after selecting the top Ubuntu option. I went through several restarts before deciding to go with Ubuntu (safe graphics). My laptop was able to go through the regular Ubuntu installation process after this.
Options On First Install
Main Issue
After installing Ubuntu and restarting the laptop, I noticed a few things. A line popped up that looks like:
/dev/sda3: clean, xx/xx files, xx/xx blocks
The cursor would blink for a while, and then completely freeze. I then tried to reboot the computer in recovery mode, and resume the boot from there. I was able to get onto the desktop, complete the setup, and use Ubuntu like normal (i.e., installing applications, browsing). Unfortunately, I can ONLY complete the boot through recovery mode. Trying to boot normally causes the computer to completely freeze and become unresponsive after the same line. I can't even access TTY with ctrl+alt+f2 or other shortcuts. I've looked at all the solutions under this thread, but haven't found success with any of them. I went down a rabbit hole thinking it was a graphics issue (and it might still be), but I couldn't find a solution that worked since I don't have an Nvidia card. I've looked for additional drivers in Ubuntu's software updater, but nothing comes up. I've even tried a fresh install and ran into the same exact issues. I'd appreciate any thoughts on what be going on, and how I might be able to fix this problem.
Anyway, I'll list some more relevant information below.
More Information
Specs:
After booting through recovery mode, using inxi -G, I get:
Graphics:
Device-1: Intel 3rd Gen Core processor Graphics driver: N/A
Device-2 AMD Thames [Radeon HD 7550M/7570M/7650M] driver: N/A
Display server: X.Org v: 1.21.1.4 driver: X: loaded: vesa
unloaded: fbdev, modesetting gpu: N/A resolution 1366x768-76Hz
OpenGL: renderer: llvmpipe (LLVM 15.0.6 256 bits) v: 4.5 Mwsa 22.2.5
And the rest of the specs:
- Memory: 8.0 GiB
- Processor: Intel Core i5-3230M CPU @ 2.60 GHz x 4
- Graphics llvmpipe (LLVM 15.0.6, 256 bits) ** I assume this is because it's booted through recovery?**
- Disk Capacity: 750.2 GB
- OS Type: 64-bit
- GNOME Version: 42.5
- Windowing System: X11
Removing quiet splash from GNU bootup script:
I see a bunch of processes tagged with [ OK ], but the computer consistently freezes after
Load/Save RF Kill Switch Status
The screen becomes unresponsive again, and no keyboard shortcuts work. I have to power off from here to reboot. I've actually noticed that, during this process, the font type changes before freezing, which is odd.
gdm3
After booting through recovery mode, and using systemctl status display-manager, I see that gdm.service is loaded and active.
If I go to the advanced options for Ubuntu during the boot, and use the same command, I can see that gdm.service is loaded but it's inactive (dead). I have no idea if this is expected, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.
I can't think of any other things to share right now, but I can definitely grab more info/outputs if more info is needed. Thanks for reading!
