"Couldn't get size: 0x800000000000000e" when trying to install Ubuntu 18.04 from a USB key

Question

I recently got a new computer and I have been trying to get a dual boot Windows/Ubuntu to work, so I got Ubuntu on a USB key( using Rufus as recommended in the Ubuntu page) but when I try to boot from the USB key and select Try Ubuntu without installing, I get the following error (and some variations of it)

Couldn't get size: 0x8000000000000e

BusyBox v1.27.2 (ubuntu 1:1.27.2-2ubuntu3.2) built-in shell (ash)
Enter 'help' for a list of built-in commands.

(initramfs) mount: mounting /cow on /root failed: invalid argument
overlay mount failed

I have tried with to different usb keys, and also disabling secure boot and fast boot.

After trying with nomodeset as recommended by sudodus, I get the following:

[    9.028870] Couldn't get size: 0x8000000000000e
[   13.311279] overlayfs: unrecognized mount option "lowerdir=" or missing value
BusyBox v1.27.2 (ubuntu 1:1.27.2-2ubuntu3.2) built-in shell (ash)
Enter 'help' for a list of built-in commands.
(initramfs) mount: mounting /cow on /root failed: invalid argument
overlay mount failed

I also have seen so post where people with a similar problem solved it by installing the appropriate GPU driver, but in that case the problem was after installing and rebooting, in my case I don't even get to install (or try it). Some info about the computer in case is relevant:

Asus FX505GD_FX505GD Intel i5-8300H 2.30Ghz Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 4GB

The original OS was Microsoft Windows 10 Home

I'm happy to provide any other information, but I don't know what to look at.

Update: Following the answer of Akeo, I remove the persistence from the USB key and finally I manage to get into the try version of Ubuntu, but another problem appeared when I turned off Ubuntu ( from the try version, It was a bit late so I decided to install it later the next day). It took a long while ( about 3 min.) for the desktop to disappear (in the mean time it was frozen). When if finally disappeared I found this message(which again contains the Couldn't get size error):

and it continues:

This makes me worried about installing it from this USB key.

Solution 1

mount: mounting /cow on /root failed: invalid argument is what you typically get if you enabled persistence in Rufus (i.e. you set a persistent partition size that isn't zero) and are working with an ISO where Ubuntu/casper bug #1489855 has not been patched (which pretty much means every version of Ubuntu except the very latest 19.10).

If you want to use persistence with Ubuntu through a persistent partition that resides on the same media as the one you boot from, you must make sure that you use a version of Ubuntu where bug #1489855 has been fixed, which, right now, is only the case when using a daily-live ISO of 19.10 released after August 1st. I am not aware of any pre 19.10 ISO that includes the casper bugfix. Especially 18.04.03 will not work with a persistent partition because of the casper bug above.

Otherwise, either make sure that you set the persistent partition size to 0 in Rufus (no persistence) or use DD mode when prompted.

Solution 2

Although is already marked as answered, I think this other option could be useful for people.

I had the same problem,Couldn't get size: 0x8000000000000e when trying to install ubuntu 18.04.3 alongside windows 10.

I made it work just using an ISO for ubuntu 18.04.1.

Hope this helps.

Comments

[sudodus]

1. Please check with md5sum, that the downloaded iso file is correct; 2. You can try to clone from the iso file to the USB drive. Cloning is an option in Rufus 'dd-mode', or you can use Win32 Disk Imager

[sudodus]

On second thought, I think it is due to the nvidia graphics chip. Please add the boot option nomodeset. If still problems, Please check with md5sum, that the downloaded iso file is correct.

[themaker]

@sudodus Thanks, I already check the ISO after the second time I tried to install it. I will try now with nomodeset.

[themaker]

@sudodus I tried with nomodeset, but it didn't work. I updated the question with the results.

[sudodus]

You mention Ubuntu 18.04. Is it 18.04.3 or 'only' 18.04 which is older? Your nvidia chip will probably work better with a newer linux kernel and drivers for new hardware, so 18.04.3 has a better chance. You could even try the not yet released Ubuntu Eoan, to be released as 19.10 next month with an even newer linux kernel. See this link

[themaker]

@sudodus sorry, I forgot to mention it. It is in fact 18.04.3.

[sudodus]

You can try the Eoan daily build from the link at the end of my previous comment. Good luck :-)

[themaker]

@sudodus Ok, I'll try that, somehow I missed that part of the message the first time I read it. Thanks a lot for your help. :)

[themaker]

Thanks a lot, that definetely solved the original problem. Although I encountered a new one when I turn it off. I updated the answer with the problem( or maybe I should start a new question?).

[womp]

This just saved me hours. Thank you.