XPS 8940, unable to boot to a Linux live USB

Question

XPS 8940 unable to Boot to a Linux live USB

I have created a “bootable” USB drive for a LINUX OS to run some linux software.

When I push F12 to get a boot menu the USB never appears.

I have created USB’s using:

Rufus and (UUI) Universal USB Installer (pendrivelinux).

Neither will appear in the Bios Boot menu

Both of these USB drives will work on several other computers

The XPS 8940 will recognize a USB made with MediaCreationTool21H2 and let you boot from that.

Writing the ISO directly to a DVD also fails to prompt for a selection under the boot menu.

In ALL cases with the USB, the computer has been fully turned off before the drive was inserted.

Any suggestions to get a linux install to be able to boot from a USB stick?

Thanks,

Ab

DELL-Cares · Answer

Hello, We see you are looking for technical assistance. We request you to start a direct message with us and we will be happy to assist you.

Abnormsol · Answer

Start a direct message how?

Abnormsol · Answer

This was what DELL support has said. Can any one offer a better solution?

Thank you!

Thank you for staying connected. I'm Dhiman from Dell Social Media team.

If I have understood correctly, you’re unable to boot to Linux OS.

We see that the system is shipped with Win 10 OS and our support is limited to the OS shipped with the system. Also, there are no drivers available for this system with Linux OS which means the system has not been tested with Linux OS by Dell.

You can check with other community users for further assistance or reach out to Linux OS forum.

Tesla1856 · Answer

I don't think you can really turn off UEFI on recent computers (or setup a true Legacy-BIOS boot). So, your Linux will need to be a Microsoft Signed/Approved Boot-Kit.

Try Ubuntu (as I think it's one of the few Approved ones).

And even then, the Live thing might not work. You might have to install it to a real SSD/HDD and boot it proper.

Abnormsol · Answer

If you are interested:https://www.pcworld.com/article/432615/microsoft-tightens-windows-10s-secure-boot-screws-where-does-that-leave-linux.html

Abnormsol · Answer

I was able to make a bootable Ubuntu USB using a tool called balenaEtcher. Although the USB appeared twice menu. Both worked fine. The one issue was that the OS hard drive was not visible to the Ubuntu install. I believe I can solve this by changing RAID to AHCI in UEFI drive settings.Though I am  not confident as to what this will do. Thanks,   Ab

RoHe · Answer

Keep in mind, if you didn't re-configure Windows before changing BIOS to AHCI, the PC won't boot Windows that way.

And it may not boot Windows again, even if you change BIOS back to RAID. Hope that doesn't matter for your intended use.

To send a Direct Message (AKA: Private Message; PM) click the blue Dell-Cares user name link. When that Profile page opens, you'll find a link to send a PM on the right side of the screen.

Do not post any personal, private info in the open forum, not even your Service Tag.

Sparky1964 · Answer

Yea, I had this same problem when R11 was configured for RAID.  Changed it to AHCI and didn't have any issues.  I always to a clean install.

XPS Desktops

XPS 8940, unable to boot to a Linux live USB

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