How to resolve an PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD Ubuntu/Kubuntu installation problem on your Dell PC

The following article deals with resolving a problem installing Ubuntu or Kubuntu on a Dell PC. Linux has trouble installing on an NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) SSD (Solid-State Drive).

Introduction

This article resolves a failure to install the Ubuntu 16.04 and Kubuntu 17.10 operating systems (OS) on an NVMe PCIe SSD.

Using Ubuntu as an example:

• A problem has been found when using either the preinstalled recovery image on the Dell OS recovery tool (If the system shipped with Ubuntu installed.) Or using the standard version from Canonical  on a Dell PC.
• The Dell and Canonical Diagnostics all pass.
• The SSD is detected in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), which is set to AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) with Secure Boot disabled.
• The installation hangs when reading from the ISO OS install media.
• This happens with all three methods 'Try Ubuntu without installing', 'Install Ubuntu' and 'OEM Install'.
• Installing to an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) works on the same PC with no issues.

• If you are not experiencing these issues, then, please check the following articles for more information:
  • Loading Ubuntu on Systems Using PCIe M2 Drives
  • Ubuntu Frequently Asked Questions

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How to install Ubuntu or Kubuntu on an SSD

Installing to an NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD, showing these symptoms:

1. Boot to the system BIOS

   On most Dell PCs, you can rapidly tap on the F2 key at the Dell Splash Screen to boot directly to the BIOS. Always follow the onscreen instructions.

2. Go to the SATA Operations category and change from AHCI to RAID

3. Save the changes and the system will reboot

4. With the Install media connected, boot to the install media to start the OS install

   On most Dell PCs, you can rapidly tap on the F12 key at the Dell Splash Screen to boot to an on-screen boot menu. Use the cursor keys to navigate to the correct option for your media type and hit Enter.

5. Follow the usual install steps from this point.

   • How to Install Ubuntu Linux on your Dell PC

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