Need to make a custom Kubuntu Bootable Live USB stick

Operating Systems & Open Source Linux
1

Ok here is what I am trying to do, I am trying to setup my laptop to run two different operating software (Windows 8.1 and Kubuntu) on two separate physical drives. That is my goal. I did have it setup to give me a choice either boot up in Windows 8.1 or Ubuntu, but my hard drive finally gave up the ghost and I had to replace it with an SSD. So know I have two SSD’s instead of one SSD and a hard drive.

But I know from experience the Linux kernel that is included with the ISO of either Ubuntu or Kubuntu has some missing driver that makes trying to install either Ubuntu or Kubuntu problematic, so I was wondering if there was some way I could replace the included Linux kernel of either Ubuntu or Kubuntu with the current stable Linux kernel which is 4.14.15. Keep in mind the only computer I have access to runs on Windows 8.1.

By the way, the Laptop I am trying to install Kubuntu on is an ASUS ROG G75vw, which I believe has an Ivory Bridge Intell processor and a Nvidia 670M graphics card, with a geraric usb mouse and keyboard attached to it by two usb ports which are I believe 2.0.

2

That’s your problem.

Edit the grub command line and add nomodeset to the end and you should be all set.

3

Thanks for the help you gave me an idea that might help with my problem. I am going to have to do more research. I think the real reason I am having problems installing Kubuntu on the new SSD is that of some little option I need to disable or enable on the bios. What leads me to this conclusion is the step I don’t know how to set up in the instruction video I found on YouTube.

I can do every step until were he talks about changing the first boot option to the disk you want to install Kubuntu too. Unforchantly to get this fix I am going to deal with ASUS terrible Customer support and try to explain to a nontech what I am trying to do. Which is doing to involve a very expensive phone call, because of the poor Bios they picked for this motherboard.

4

Possibly. Do you know if you’re using UEFI? If you are, you need to disable Secure Boot in the configuration.

Additionally, I recommend not using UEFI for Linux (especially Ubuntu based distros) because it adds a ton of complexity that, frankly, isn’t worth the 1/2 second shaved off boot time.

5

Yes, the Bios is UEFI; and unfortunately, the laptop doesn’t support anything other than UEFI booting. I have disabled all the options I would need to, except I can’t change the boot order for the SSD I am trying to install Kubuntu on. I am doing to have to wait until Monday when I can call Asus’s technical support to find out how to fix this. If I was dealing with a Desktop, I would just remove the battery from the motherboard to erase my user profile.

6

Continued from other thread -

Given the age of your machine, I am having doubts that a new kernel would have new drivers to fix any issues you are having. There may be a regression causing problems, in which case an older kernel should boot for you. Can you get 16.04 running? If it is a regression then it will likely be ironed out by the time 18.04 drops.

You mentioned running 17.10 and UEFI issues. I did hear some machines were affected by some weird circumstance in 17.10 causing errors with UEFI. Have you checked to see if your machine is listed as one that was affected? A long shot, but it might be worth investigating.

I have little experience with laptops, but the one I have required that I hit some special key combination to enable a screen to disable secure boot and change between UEFI and legacy/BIOS. Also, I think some options are hidden when secure boot is still enabled.

I saw mentions of people having the opposite problem (BIOS/ no UEFI boot working) so I’m guessing there must be some way to get it to work. Here is a link I found with a few seconds of searching, so it may or may not be useful -
https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?77633-Booting-with-legacy-BIOS-on-G750JS-Laptop

You mention you are trying to dual boot, but you can’t change your boot order. Does the BIOS stop you from doing so? Did you install an OS on it and it refuses to boot from that drive? Is there a function key to select your boot device? There really isn’t any absolute reason why you ‘need’ to change the hard drive boot priority at the same time as selecting the USB boot option beyond convenience. As long as the USB is selected to boot from then it should hopefully boot from it regardless of what HDD, SSD, or lack thereof is selected as the primary hard drive. Using the function key, if available, is good for one-time usage such as booting from USB.

Does your machine use fake RAID (built in mobo RAID)? Is it enabled/disabled, running AHCI, native? Is the laptop designed for two drives, or are you using a caddy in an optical drive slot?

In any event, I have always been a fan of physically disabling/removing excess drives when installing an OS. If you remove the (I’m guessing Windows) OS drive, will that allow you to boot in to a USB live environment and install/boot on the other drive? Not omitting the nomodeset advice of course.

Hopefully one of the things listed will get you a bit closer towards your goal.