# Cannot boot (even from pen)
**URL:** https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146
**Category:** Technical Issues
**Created:** [January 7, 2025, 8:35pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146 "2025-01-07T20:35:35Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Jtradamus](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/Jtradamus)
#### Post date: [January 7, 2025, 8:35pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146/1 "2025-01-07T20:35:35Z")
Hello everyone.
My mabox linux machine is not booting after restarting. I am not sure if I updated any package. It just shows that splash screen saying “mabox linux” in the bottom right and then I just get a black screen.
I then tried to run a live session from a usb stick: i tried several mabox isos. With this, I get to that menu where I can select to boot with open source drivers or proprietary drivers. After selecting (either option) I also get a black screen that stays forever.
That is very strange.
I finally tried to boot (again via pen) but now with another distro (bodhi linux) and that one is able to boot.
What am I missing? Is there any way to restore the system?
I guess I can use bodhi to access the disk and copy my home dir to a backup and format the disk and install a distro. But I would like to keep my system
Cheers.
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### Author:  [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)
#### Post date: [January 7, 2025, 10:15pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146/3 "2025-01-07T22:15:51Z")
I deleted my previous post, because was not sure.
> Just a wild guess… could it be that Secure Boot got enabled in the BIOS by accident?
It does sound strange for something like this to happen just after a reboot, but it’s worth checking.
I know some distros, like Ubuntu, support booting with Secure Boot enabled. Maybe Bodhi Linux does as well?
This is the only idea I have for now.
🐦
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### Author:  [@Jtradamus](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/Jtradamus)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2025, 8:56am UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146/4 "2025-01-08T08:56:27Z")
Thank you for your reply @muzqs .
I double checked an the secure boot is disabled.
The thing is … Mabox kinda boots. Gives a splash screen but then it just hangs.
If it was the instaled image only … But not able to boot from the thumbdrive, that is strange.
Cheers
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### Author:  [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2025, 9:14am UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146/5 "2025-01-08T09:14:40Z")
Indeed strange behaviour suddenly. 🤔
Another wild shot.
Try another `create live iso` application.
I have experience that some not working with mabox (manjaro).
`Balena etcher` worked for me the last time i booted live iso of mabox.
🐦
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### Author:  [@Jtradamus](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/Jtradamus)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2025, 12:27pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146/6 "2025-01-08T12:27:54Z")
Yep, same behaviour with balena.
Yesterday I tried with “dd” and unetbootin.
A thing I forgot to mention (sorry) i tested the thumbdrive in my other laptop. And it was able to boot.
So just for fiy: my old laptop has bodhi installed and i was able to open the live version of mabox (thumbdrive)
My main machine which has mabox, and I also have a thumbdrive with mabox does not boot.
Cheers
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### Author:  [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2025, 2:12pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146/7 "2025-01-08T14:12:48Z")
I forgot…
When you boot Mabox system. You can press `ESC` just before you see mabox in the corner.
The advanced (grub)menu should appear with the installed kernels. (try fallback)
From there try another kernel if there is more than one installed.
🐦
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### Author:  [@Jtradamus](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/Jtradamus)
#### Post date: [January 9, 2025, 12:22pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/cannot-boot-even-from-pen/2146/8 "2025-01-09T12:22:48Z")
Hi @muzqs ,
That solved my problem!
I started a fallback version successfully.
After that, after restarting, my normal version is now working correctly.
Not really sure why.
Thank you so much for your help. You saved me a lot of effort.
Cheers