GeoffF100 wrote:Success!
I successfully created an up to date Windows 10 ISO DVD using the Media Tool. It booted on the Novatech and the HP. On the HP, I hit <Esc> repeatedly on boot, selected the Boot Menu and then selected hp CDDVDW SH-216AB. I then had to hit any key to confirm the DVD boot, and away it went.
I followed tradition and ignored the instructions. Ubuntu is supposed to secure boot nowadays, so I gave it a go. I put a Xubuntu ISO in the HP's DVD drive and did the same as before, selecting hp CDDVDW SH-216AB as the boot device. I was rewarded with Try Xubuntu. I was able to run Xubuntu from a live DVD with no problems.
The installation hurdle appears to have been surmounted. The next step is to recover the SSD from my old machine and install it in the HP.
Geoff
I think you are taking this thread off-topic into the world of very slow computing!
Since I purchased my second hand computer, it has performed well. I haven't had to do any time-wasting fiddling since the second day I got it, when Office was installed.
Why are you bothering to waste your time messing about with a cheapo computer when you could be using a fast computer to achieve some worthwhile activities?
It's a bit like someone arguing that, instead of buying a good quality second hand car, one should buy an old wreck, put in a dodgy replacement engine etc. Most of us want a trouble-free computer, not something that has to be patched up!
Enjoy your messing about, but please don't suggest that this is fast computing!
regards
Howard