Hidden EFI Help
Posted by Tooshort1985@reddit | linux | View on Reddit | 12 comments
So first of all, I made a bonehead mistake and kept leaning harder and harder on AI to smooth out some issues with my Linux install. While trying to downgrade to Ubuntu 24, AI directed me to hide the EFI folder in order to force a boot from a thumb drive. Now I only get a white background with a flashing folder and question mark.
A few more details, the computer itself is a Mac Pro 5,1 that I loaded with Ubuntu 25 (couldn’t get WiFi to work was the reason to go back to 24).
Below is the terminal code that it had me put in:
sudo mkdir /boot/efi/EFI-backup sudo mv /boot/efi/EFI/* /boot/efi/EFI-backup/ # moves rEFInd + ubuntu folder sudo reboot
I now can’t boot up to anything when holding Option and Option+R for internet recovery doesn’t seem to work.
Am I hosed? Looking for any ideas anyone here may have.
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archontwo@reddit
Trying to learn is not bonehead, it is commendable, but using AI is unwise.
But don't feel discouraged. Learn from the experience and vow to do better next time.
Zaev@reddit
AI can be helpful to point you towards the direction of a solution, but you should never ever** just run any command it gives you without complete understanding of what it does
Tooshort1985@reddit (OP)
Definitely, I’ve learned my lesson there. It seemed way too overconfident in every response it gave
thyristor_pt@reddit
You don’t learn with AI... AI learns with you.
ThellraAK@reddit
If it helps your search you didn't "hide" it, you deleted it.
I start with a search for a deleted EFI folder for your operating system.
Tooshort1985@reddit (OP)
Oh boy. That doesn’t sound good.
ThellraAK@reddit
Option (⌥) or Alt: Start up to Startup Manager, which allows you to choose other available startup disks or volumes.
That'll let you boot from a live image.
Tooshort1985@reddit (OP)
Maybe I spoke too soon.
I just reformatted my thumb drive to Ubuntu 25 and was able to make it to the “Try or Install” window, so I think I’m back in business.
The AI told me that Ubuntu 24 should solve my WiFi authentication issues because my hardware is older, does that make any sense?
Thank you for all help!
ThellraAK@reddit
No, stop using it.
Tooshort1985@reddit (OP)
Agreed, thank you!
And it looks like I’m back in business, I’ll find another way to work out my WiFi problem and avoid Grok lol.
ThellraAK@reddit
Hardwire it to internet for a bit (you might need to use your phone and connection share via USB) and update it, it might grab whatever you need.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Macmini5-1/Precise
Is saying it should possible with moderate pain and aggravation (please note how old this is)
Instead of all that spend $10 and get a USB wifi dongle.