Probing for devices to install to failed - Ubuntu Server Installation

Question

When trying the install Ubuntu on my old PC, I get the below following error.

Probing for devices to install to failed
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Unfortunately probing for devices to install to failed. Please report a bug on Launchpadm and if possible include the contents of the /var/log/installer directory.

I tried to google the error but goggle does not seems to have the answer either.

System Specifications:

• Toshiba Satellite C640-I4016
• Core i3 1st Gen
• 2 GB RAM
• 500 GB hard disk

This is while attempting to install Ubuntu Server 18.04.3 LTS. It is a Live Bootable USB made using Rufus.

Solution 1

The 'live' server version has fewer capabilities than the standard installer (but includes 'live' function for other uses that is really useful at times), so I'd suggest trying a different version of Ubuntu 18.04.3 server from https://ubuntu.com/download/server

If you clicked 'download' last time, click the 'alternative downloads' button first for other options...)

The following may also be useful - https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/tutorial-install-ubuntu-server#0

This is just comments copied from above (that worked)

Solution 2

Basically the server live boot images are garbage, that or Ubuntu really hates installing on write-protected USB stick. Instead, use the net installer mini.iso the latest is 73 MB, and you can get it here.

Zero problems during install, btw the other answers/suggestions were useless.

Solution 3

Removal of the NVMe worked for me too. Problem was the small screw that held the drive in place fell into the power supply. Just turned the computer upside down, gave it a shake and the screw came out.

Solution 4

This was such an annoying error to encounter! What worked for me was to download the "Alternative Ubuntu Server installer", which has all the partitioning options, and it had no problem whatsoever. The default iso with the "live-server" in its name apparently is lacking something.

Solution 5

I had the same issue to install Ubuntu Server 18.04.3 on several SD cards. As guiverc suggested, using the network installer image, AKA mini.iso, from alternate downloads instead of the standard image worked but it took much more time. A better solution for me was to re-format the installation destination media, in my case delete the partitions on my SD card, and try again.

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Comments

[Juan]

I created an account just to say Thank you so freaking much. This was it. I didn't realize the live installer was useless haha

[Book Of Zeus]

ha !! that screw ...

[Hendrik]

Thank you, the net installer is indeed much better.

[Daniel Alder]

Amazing. I went to shell and and did modprobe -r nvme, then the installer was seeing my disks. btw. lsblk is good for checking which disks should be accessible

[Daniel Alder]

And this also helped me: saying "NO" to the question if the installer should automatically be updated

[Q. Qiao]

Thank you! The net installer is similar to the old ubuntu installer. Which is much better than the live version!!!!!

[Florian Heigl]

typical... i question my sanity installing OS that comes with a broken installer by default. but not my server, not my choice.