Ubuntu install from USB stuck on black screen

Question

I have been trying to install Ubuntu 14.04 alongside windows 8.1 from a bootable USB. I am new to using a Linux OS. I turned off fast boot option, and I left secure boot on (I also tried off, but then it's stuck on a blank screen rather than this). I have a Nvidia 880M if that is affecting anything.

I get stuck on this screen whether I choose "try Ubuntu without installing" or "install Ubuntu". This text is shown when I am stuck on the black screen.

Solution

• Boot from USB drive and select Try Ubuntu without installing

• Press "e" and add

  nouveau.modeset=0
  

  to the end of the linux line.

• Press F10 - the Ubuntu USB installation media will boot without any issues now.

Recommendation to avoid running into the same problems with your new Ubuntu installation :

When rebooting after having finished the installation repeat the same procedure for starting the installed operating system -> ... select the Ubuntu entry from the GRUB boot menu, press "e" ...
After login to Ubuntu desktop first install the latest stable NVIDIA drivers and Optimus support.

Open a terminal and execute :

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install nvidia-352 nvidia-prime 
sudo reboot  

Open NVIDIA X Server Settings -> Prime Profiles - switch to NVIDIA - log out and back in.

Comments

[Star OS]

Fastboot and Secure boot have to be off, secure boot is more critical to the system than fastboot.

[Felipe]

Worked for Inspiron 15 7000 series Gaming Edition. Thanks

[afrish]

This works! My installation on the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 was freezing, until I did what you described. Magic!