Converting a Lenovo Chromebook to Linux: Lenovo N42

I will demonstrate step by step the conversation of a Lenovo N42 Chromebook to Linux. How to get into recovery mode and then into developer mode. We will enter a command-line shell and execute a series of commands to download the “Mr.Chromebox” firmware script and software. I will explain the concepts and process and options. Many Chromebook owners will have to disassemble their Chromebooks and remove the “write-protect” screw. I will do a full ROM replacement with a new UEFI package. Will boot and install Linux on the Chromebook.

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[python]

Thank you very much for your patient guidance! This is the best explanation I could find on the topic. One day using a new Samsung Chromebook 4 Bluebird said goodbye to ChromeOS without any regrets or tears. It didn't work to disconnect and reconnect the battery: I had to do everything using just the charger. A good-looking laptop now matches with the Linux. From now on I'm a fan of the channel.

[BobbyHollingsworth]

Thank you so much for this guide! The school I work at can now use some of our Chromebooks that have reached end-of-life for other things with Linux!

[DeltaSgt]

I goofed up at first and forgot to put machine into developer mode. After that everything was smooth sailing. Had to open mine ( IdeaPad 100s) and remove write protect screw from left side of motherboard under a Lenovo label. Running Ubuntu 22.04.3 just fine! I have been all over the internet trying to figure this out. Your script is what told me I had a firmware write protect I had to remove! GREAT video!!

[nikolozkharshiladze]

Wow, your video is so short and straight forward!
I was thinking of getting Chromebook because you can get them for very small price, they are lightweight and most of them also have touchscreen.
Was first thinking of upgrading it to Windows (which I found out was very bad decision) and then I found out that Linux runs very good on Chromebooks. One thing I was afraid of was diffuculty of installing one, but now with your video I'm sure I'll buy one and maybe dual boot to Linux!
Thank you so much for this video.

[skullcityvideo]

Dude. You absolutely saved me so much headache. You kick butt. Thanks

[alittax]

3:49 If I can make a small suggestion: I'd use some color to indicate a space in the command. It's easy to miss a space (especially when looking at a font that's not monospaced), but not as easy to miss a green block between two words. If for some reason there is more than one space, you can indicate that with alternating colors, eg 3 spaces next to each other = a green, yellow, and another green block next to each other (or any other color you like). Thanks for the amazing content, I love watching your informative and well-made videos! Have a nice weekend. Attila

[rafaelceara]

Excellent video! Super easy to follow the steps you provided. I was able to do everything step by step to verify if i needed to remove the screw (which for me was disabled) and then I went ahead and download the firmware to update the BIOS and install Linux from an USB drive. Thanks a lot for this video! Really appreciate this excellent guide!

[diegodevops]

Very nice video Mr.Vanderpool. Subscribing.

[raymondhuynh]

Thank you so much =). I was able to load up Linux Mint properly following your instructions.

[phillip]

Excellent tutorial. Very well explained.

[youtubeiscancer]

Curious. I just got a Chromebook off eBay for ten dollars and it's honestly in great shape. Can't wait to throw something else on here that actually will remain supported for years to come. Great guide about to go do this. Thank you.

Edit: followed this guide and it worked flawlessly. Heads up if you do need to remove a screw like I did it can be a chore. I had to disassemble the whole computer basically to get to it.

[horaciob]

Great video really easy to follow. I am stuck at the bootable Linux flash drive part. How do I get one of these flash drives so I can run Linux on my chrome book?

[Mobay]

This is a great way to get a laptop with Linux. N42 can be found for around $45-65.

[SerdarCevher]

Thank you for the video, it absolutely helped me to save time while installing the custom UEFI. I don't know why my previous comment has disappeared, maybe because I had shared my own article's link to help people having the Lenovo Ideapad 3 Chromebook (did I seem like I was just trying to chase hits?) Anyway, it doesn't matter. I just want to underline that the Gallium OS featured here is discontinued and Lubuntu is a good alternative, especially with the built-in Linux kernel 6.2 which makes the sound work out of the box for Intel Gemini Lake platform (powering the Ideapad 3 and possibly other newer Chromebooks).

[SUVTouring]

thank you for this, I had no screw on the motherboard, had to disconnect the battery and boot of the wall charger, write protection was there, installed, reformatted all going well, just one small audio issue, but that is an Intel driver issue, thanks again !

[Gerlad]

Hi very well done video Im at the pt where it says fw wp is enabled. Do I need to power off to take the screw out, or can I do it while the chromebook is still on.?

[cetinsss]

Thanks for the video, it's detailed and clear. I hit a little bit problem with my Asus C523N. When I look up the notes on the description, by the way very helpful, I found out that I need to use flushing method. Yet I'm in the UK and that Suzy-Q cable is impossible to find. Is there any other method I could use? I've removed my battery and try to start up just with cable connection but it didn't start up. Maybe it was silly but I just gave a shot.

[rtro_lmao]

Hello, I have a Hp chromebook 14a with a broken screen, i'm wondering if the bios/boot menu is visible from my external HDMI monitor?

[gscheben]

This guide did not work through to completion for a Lenovo N20-22 after minute mark up 9:17 (installation of the OS). Removing the the Linux ISO USB disk did not allow me reboot to the firmware screen (pressing escape after power up). Screen is blank under all conditions. Firmware issue?

[michoupichoupoupou]

hello i got a problem when i choose in the BOOT MENU the USB DISK that say to me "verify it contains a 61-bit UEFI OS". What i have to do fosolve this. Thanks for the video