Ubuntu auto-install USB doesn't boot

Question

I am currently trying to do a completely unattended Ubuntu install with preseed, following AskUbuntu automated install instructions.

Everything works fine on VirtualBox (I am simulating a DVD) but when I try to burn my ISO on a USB stick and boot it on a computer (UP Squared with Intel CPU), it doesn't boot !

I'd like to add : I have no problem with my bootable key when using a standard ubuntu installation. On the discussion I linked above, best answers says to "burn it on a DVD". Is there a difference between a burn DVD and a bootable USB key ?

Thanks in advance.

Did you treat your iso file with isohybrid to make it a hybrid iso file? In that case it should work to clone it to a working USB boot drive. See this link. — sudodus, Jun 05 '18 at 18:38
Maybe the method of the following link can help, How can I make a bootable, unattended USB restore disk? — sudodus, Jun 05 '18 at 19:15

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 06 '18 at 12:52

1

As @sudodus pointed out, I needed to treat my iso with isohybrid.

answered Jun 06 '18 at 12:52

erenaud

21

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 05 '18 at 17:53

Can I ask how you burned your ISO? If you used Unetbootin by any chance, it might be possible that the liveUSB has no boot flag.This bug has been around for a while. And if the liveUSB isn't recognised as bootable... it doesn't boot.

You can solve this with GParted. Select the USB drive, and do a right click. A menu will open which holds "Manage flags". If you click that another menu opens, where you can select "boot". After you've done this, close GParted and (re)boot from the liveUSB.

Hi ! Thanks for your answer. I simply used Startup Disk Creator (USB-creator). — erenaud, Jun 06 '18 at 08:05

Ubuntu auto-install USB doesn't boot

2 Answers2