Hi, I was following instructions switching my laptop from windows to linux. I first downloaded the ISO for Mint Cinnamon 20.1 64-bit. I then installed Rufus followed instructions to place the ISO file on the USB. I put the USB into my HP 530 Notebook PC which has Vista on it to start the process. Everything looked great until this popped up (This kernel requires an x86-64 CPU...) I cant get out of this screen. I've tried esc, shift key, F keys nothing is working. I have researched on google and youtube and HP info to no avail. The processor on my laptop is Intel Core Duo T2400 @ 1.83 GHz, Memory 3.00 GB, System 32-bit. I can see that the Mint Cinnamon 20.1 64 bit is not compatible with the laptop 32 bit. I just cant get out of that screen. Is there a way out so I can get the right linux for this laptop. Thanks.

Alt-Ctrl-Delete should work, else simply force a poweroff. Take the USB out and then reboot.

Thank you, thank you, thank you !! IT WORKED. Totally forgot about the alt+ctl+del.

Let's hope all your problems are that easily solved ...

You won't be able to use the latest release of Mint as Mint and most of the other major Ubuntus no longer support 32bit. You might try LMDE, Debian or do an online search for support for 32bit Linux systems.

https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2019/07/...ops-32-bit-iso

I just had to look because I mistakenly believed all dual-core cpu were 64 bit.

MX Linux is close to Mint as far as ease of use. They have 32 bit isos still . Since based on Debian.

https://mxlinux.org/download-links/

Don't forget to do a checksum of iso before install.
https://mxlinux.org/wiki/system/chec...ded-iso-files/

https://averagelinuxuser.com/after-installing-mxlinux/

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the help and guidance. Problems can be frustrating and challenging, but always a good way to practice patience lol. I will definitely research all the info you have all given me but, alas all work on this laptop will have to cease for now as my battery charger just died. Got to order a new one. As for the 32-bit and 64-bit problem there is a possibility that it can be changed through the BIOS called Intel Virtualization Technology; thanks to the info on TechXplosion. I knew you could change it through the settings but it makes sense to change throgh BIOS. Thank you again everyone, I most definitely will research all the information you have shared.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the help and guidance. Problems can be frustrating and challenging, but always a good way to practice patience lol. I will definitely research all the info you have all given me but, alas all work on this laptop will have to cease for now as my battery charger just died. Got to order a new one. As for the 32-bit and 64-bit problem there is a possibility that it can be changed through the BIOS called Intel Virtualization Technology; thanks to the info on TechXplosion. I knew you could change it through the settings but it makes sense to change throgh BIOS. Thank you again everyone, I most defineately will research all the information you have shared.

If you're adventurous, the Core Duo and Core 2 Due were pin/socket/electrical compatible with each other, so you could realistically find a cheap C2D to swap into there to turn it into a 64-bit laptop. On a quick glance at ebay, I saw C2D T5250 (same 667 bus, same dual core dual thread, same wattage) for $3 BIN...

"As for the 32-bit and 64-bit problem there is a possibility that it can be changed through the BIOS called Intel Virtualization Technology; thanks to the info on TechXplosion."

The host or physical machine can't be changed. It is either a fully supported 64 bit or it isn't.

Some people use a free virtual machine. It could be assisted by bios setting for VT-x or many other names.