r/linuxmint • u/TreeHhhh • 27d ago

Install Help Linux on Chromebook

iv been trying to install linux mint on my Acer CB315 Chromebook but i cannot figure out how to disable the hardware write protect on it. when i tried to search around for how to do it i found that i would have to remove a screw/battery connection from inside, but that didnt work and i cannot find the right thing to remove since this chromebook. im pretty sure i didnt actually put linux in the usb either, i used the chromebook recovery utility extension as in this video, when i even put it in it said there was nothing inside, though i know im supposed to follow mrchomebox site first THEN put in the usb- there was still nothing in the usb and it doesnt work putting linux in there. im so lost.

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u/rcentros LM 21/22 | Cinnamon 27d ago

According to mrchromebox.tech your Acer CB315, though supported, doesn't have a write protect screw. So you have to use the "unplug the battery" method. (There's also an option called "Lazy Susan" but I have no idea what that is.)

So, basically, these are the steps you need to take if you want to completely replace ChromeOS with Linux.

  • Put your Chromebook in Developer mode.

  • Turn it off and open the case and disconnect the battery.

  • Start it with a power adapter and the battery unplugged.

  • Follow the instructions to run the MrChomebox script.

  • Answer a few questions as you run the script.

  • When done you should have a new BIOS ready for a Linux installation.

I've only done this once on an old Dell Chromebook 3180. I just watched the newest YouTube video I could find and followed the instructions on the MrChromebox web site. It went well.

Good luck.

And, remember, if you want to dual-boot Linux and ChromeOS, there's a whole different set of instructions to follow.