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Goal: I am trying to install Ubuntu onto a Dell XPS 8900.

Problem: I can't get through an Ubuntu install without the install interrupting with Unable to install Grub in /dev/sda, Executing 'grub-install /dev/sda failed.' This is a fatal error.. Moreover boot-repair doesn't fix the issue.

Installer: I am using a flash drive with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Installer on it. I have tried with a flash drive that I have installed with before and I have tried with a fresh install on another flash drive that I created with the Startup Disk Creator application. Note: I have added nomodeset and acpi=off in my grub command to start the Ubuntu Installer OS.

Attempts to solve:

  • I tried to complete the grub-install myself using some answers on askubuntu. I did the aforementioned fix by exiting the installer prompt (after it failed) and running the commands in the terminal. I was able to successfully complete the grub-install here. However, as the original error happens part way into an install the resulting Ubuntu OS had multiple problems. I had services that would fail or just not start (including but not limited to: networkd-dispatcher.service, NetworkManager.service, fwupd-refresh.service, apparmor.service, caspermd5.services(?) ) and I had left over remnants from the install (for example, an application named Install RELEASE was still in my applications).

    • Note: chrooting into /mnt and running grub-install /dev/sda results in unable to allocate pty: No such device

  • Top answer here suggests clicking Try Ubuntu and the using the Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS application, which didn't work for me.

  • Top answer here suggests that grub-install is installing to the wrong device, which isn't true for me.

  • I am desperate now, so I updated the BIOS to its most recent update. That didn't do anything.

  • I tried running grub-install prior to running the Try Install application.

    • Note: running sudo grub-install --root-directory /mnt /dev/sda results in grub-instal: error: failed to register the EFI boot entry: Operation not permitted.
    • Also, I worry that even if I could successfully run grub-install prior to running the Ubuntu Installer, that the Ubuntu Installer would still fail because the Ubuntu Installer might run grub-install without options.

Still to Attempt:

Question: Why does Ubuntu 22.04 LTS install continue to fail with 'grub-install /dev/sda failed' error?

Result of boot-repair: https://paste.ubuntu.com/p/Shc4V4xB9T

MrDrago9
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    Are you booting with any custom GRUB parameters such as "acpi=off"? This may be a similar topic: https://askubuntu.com/questions/1439291/unable-to-install-grub-in-dev-nvme1n1-grub-install-failed – Taylor S. Amarel Jan 12 '23 at 00:00

0 Answers0