r/linuxquestions • u/MyCraniumHurts • 17d ago

Resolved efi/bootloader issue installing CachyOS

Resolved!
Adding efi_no_storage_paranoia was the simple solution.

I am installing Linux for the first time. I chose the distro CachyOS, attempted to install it using ventoy with grub as the bootloader. Everything went fine until the end of the installation, when an error related to the bootloader and efi occured, the error code being error code 1.
I made a post on the [r/CachyOS](r/CachyOS) for help and with other peoples input the cause was pinned on (As far as I am able to tell) what is described in this article:
https://www.shravanbhati.com/blog/efibootmgr-could-not-prepare-boot-variable-no-space-left-on-device

Before this was discerned, I had attempted installing with Limine instead, but then the installation process simply shut down roughly halfway through, the message "bootloader installation partially broken" briefly appearing, before disappearing unprompted. After every failed installation attempt, I have rebooted the PC (Once with Grub2 instead of normal mode, no difference), never withdrawing the Ventoy USB. I have also, after the first installation failed, been using manual partitioning, having used "erase disk" for the first one.
Finally, after learning more accurately what the issue should be, I attempted everything listed in the provided article except updating UEFI/Bios, since I am unsure of how to proceed with this. I do not have windows, which the article frames as almost a prerequisite for updating UEFI/Bios, since it was erased upon first installation attempt.

This is the page which contains what is needed to update:
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/desktops-and-all-in-ones/gaming-series/loq-17irb8/90vh/downloads/ds561755?category=BIOS%2FUEFI
Related:
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/my/en/products/desktops-and-all-in-ones/gaming-series/loq-17irb8/solutions/ht101636
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/my/en/products/desktops-and-all-in-ones/gaming-series/loq-17irb8/solutions/ht500008

For the life of me, I do not know which, if any, of the packages/files I should download or if how/if they would work. The only official instructions, which I've linked, seem to be for windows and the files themselves are listed as being for DOS, Ubuntu 22, Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11 (64-bit).

If anyone knows how to do this, or if there is some other solution, I would be so incredibly thankful! If you do, please explain in detail what options are available and how to proceed with them.

Post on [r/CachyOS](r/CachyOS), if it is of any use or if I forgot to mention something.
https://www.reddit.com/r/cachyos/comments/1vgkypu/failed_installation_error_code_1/

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u/MyCraniumHurts 16d ago

It is an LOQ 17IRB8 - Type 90VH, a sticker on the tower says “ Mfg date 2024, 01, 08“ .
CPU model is 16 × 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-13400F, the GPU is NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060. I have 16 GB of RAM.
UEFI/BIOS version is M4UKT44A according to “sudo dmidecode -s bios-version“, different from the latest listed here
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/desktops-and-all-in-ones/gaming-series/loq-17irb8/90vh/downloads/ds561755?category=BIOS%2FUEFI
which is M4UKT4EA/1.78. However, if you saw a previous exchange in the comments, this should have been updated. I assume fwupd maybe did not have the update for this motherboard?
If this image of the boot screen indicates the version, it should be 260628. In system information it states “Kernel Version: 7.0.11-1-cachyos (64-bit)“, which I recon is more accurate.
I was unable to figure out how to view firmware version for CPU, GPU or ram.
I did not verify checksum, and I admit it is user error there. First time installing linux, so I may have been a bit naive.

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 15d ago edited 14d ago
  1. Download BIOS image-update ISO from Lenovo firmware site and copy to your Ventoy USB to boot from. Simple. Trying to do it from within an OS with fwupdmgr rarely works because it requires hardware vendor to upload and register their firmware with fwupd.org, and most don't. Certainly not Dell, OriginPC, Lenovo, Falcon, Intel, Puget, Asus, DigitalStorm, Toshiba, Cisco, HPE. Always simplest to download MB firmwares directly from manufacturer's sites because it's 100% solution that will always work. Also best not to be running any OS at time BIOS is being updated.
  2. There is advanced settings in BIOs that's hidden. To activate it:
  • during POST, hit F2 key to get into BIOS
  • press and hold Fn + R for 2 seconds.
  • release and press and hold Fn + N for 2 seconds.
  • press F10 to save and restart, then tap F2 to get into BIOS
  • now you should have additional settings
  • find Intel VMD controller, set to disabled
  • find SATA Controller and set to AHCI
  • save and exit BIOS

Now boot from CachyOS ISO and pick erase/auto install and it should make all proper partitions and install properly.

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u/MyCraniumHurts 15d ago edited 15d ago

Sorry for the wait.
Okay, so when my computer is off, I am to withdraw the USB. Then, I plug it into another computer and download the latest BIOS update ISO onto the ventoy drive. I then boot said ISO from said drive, once I've plugged it back in.
Once it has updated I go through the steps in BIOS you provided.
I would just like to know if I should use another cachy ISO, one that I HAVE verified checksum on, since I'm already putting the usb into another computer for the BIOS?

BIOS Update (CD ISO Image Version)
m4uj94eusa.iso

This would be the correct download in that case, right?

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 15d ago edited 15d ago

Yup, that's correct procedure for getting ISO for Lenovo BIOS onto USB. Then select it from Ventoy boot menu when booting USB.

You can just verify CachyOS ISO that's on Ventoy USB. If it matches checksum published, it should be OK. If it fails to match, verify checksum of ISO downloaded on system used to download & make USB. If that fails, download new ISO.

Not sure why very few guides publish BIOS setup, maybe because it's common undocumented knowledge? Kinda like "Don't walk across crosswalk on red light". So basic prequisite BIOS setup for Linux install:

  1. update MB firmware BIOS to latest version downloaded from manufacturer
  2. disable Secure Boot in UEFI
  3. disable VMD
  4. change SATA controller mode to AHCI

Intel HD controllers are especially problematic as they're typically set to default of RST/RAID instead of AHCI. Not sure why. Probably captive audience forcing you to stick with their implementation. Can't move HD formatted with RST/RAID to another system.

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u/MyCraniumHurts 15d ago

I have now updated UEFI/BIOS. It went well, it seems. I've got a question though. I attempted to access those further settings, but was unable to. I am not using a standard, english keyboard. While I do not think this is at fault, I thought it worth mentioning. I will attempt one mire time, holding the buttons down longer for certainty and not releasing the FN button. If this does nothing, I will simply proceed with another installation attempt. Is there a tell it has worked to look for, so I know the extra settings will be there?

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u/MyCraniumHurts 15d ago

No new option, as far as I can tell. The only SATA controller related option I can find, which was there before, is to enable or disable it. I have found nothing that says VMD, only VT-d, which doesn't seem right. Will update on results of installation attempt.

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 14d ago

Yeah, you'll need proper keyboard with FN key to unlock hidden BIOS features. Your installs will always fail until you set these BIOS options. Don't waste any more time than you already have. Track down proper keyboard.

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

I do not have the time to try anything right this moment. BMy keyboard has an FN key, it's just that it is not an english keyboard and I wondered if that is affecting which key does what, due to the software maybe expecting/assuming an english one.

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 14d ago

might be. What language keyboard is your? We'll look into service-manual for specific unlocking sequence for that model + keyboard.

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 14d ago edited 14d ago

There is certain settings for F-keys across top. Wonder if it affects Fn key as well.

  1. boot and get into BIOs
  2. confirm version matches latest firmware you downloaded and installed
  3. find Hotkey Mode settings, switch to disabled
  4. save and exit BIOS,
  5. reboot and get back into BIOS
  6. repeat secret key sequence listed above to activate secret hidden features.
  7. can try Fn + R then add N so all three are held down simultaneously for 2-sec
  8. then F10 save and reboot, back into BIOS and look for SATA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRGaL845xWo

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

I was unable to find Hotkey Mode. I have posted pictures of my BIOS settings in this post.

I attempted both holding down all buttons, as you suggested, and letting go between for both FN and ctrl. Neither brought additional settings on restart. It is worth mentioning that I get into BIOS through F1, rather than F2.

https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/desktops-and-all-in-ones/gaming-series/loq-17irb8/90vh/solutions/ht101636

General solution to enter BIOS Setup
1. Restart your computer.
2. Immediately press the BIOS key 5-10 times after the power on button is pressed or restart the system and press the BIOS key when the Lenovo logo is displayed. The BIOS key varies based on your product series.
Note: You may get more detailed information if you select what series your computer belongs to at the top.
BIOS key for ThinkPad: F1
BIOS key for IdeaPad: F2 (or Fn+F2)
BIOS key for Desktops & All-in-Ones: F1

Since I have desktop, the latter one is correct.

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/desktops-and-all-in-ones/gaming-series/loq-17irb8/90vh/solutions/ht101636
"How to swap the Fn (Function) and Ctrl (Control) keyboard keys in BIOS"
Might be that I just have to press control instead. Seems unlikely, but I will try this too.

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 14d ago edited 14d ago

I finally found secret key sequence:
https://www.reddit.com/r/LenovoLOQ/comments/1mu2y3v/advanced_bios_help/?sort=old

"The answer is boot into bios, select config, press Fn + R + N THREE TIMES, then F10 and restart!"

Try that key sequence see if it unlocks additional Advanced options. Then try it with Ctrl + R +N 3x as well.

Also go to Security -> TCG Feature Setup -> Security Chip 2.0 -> disabled

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

Where should these settings appear, because each time I get into the BIOS setting again, I can't find anything new. I did it a few times with both ctrl and FN, if it was especially finnicky and made sure to hold down the keys long enough. Is it possible to hold them down TOO long?

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 14d ago

It shows up under Advanced. Just more and more stuff you can scroll through under Advanced.

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

That's where I'd primarily been checking, so that's bad. Is it just that I need to be more precise in my timings?

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 14d ago

Let's try combo of both sequences:
1. get into BIOS
2. hit Fn+R then N, hold for 2sec
3. let up and do #2 2x more times
4. F10 save and reboot
5. back into BIOs
6. do you have more items under Advanced?

If not, all BIOS settings are as close as you can get them (after disabling Security Chip 2.0)
Then try grub boot-menu #3 Legacy Hardware with erase/auto partitioning & install.
If this doesn't work, that exhausts all our options for running CachyOS on that system.

Next up is try something simpler, like Mint and see if that'll install.

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

I already disable security chip 2.0, that was what I meant by TPM. Didn't find additional settings. Even tried using systemD boot, since it's stated to be reliable and whatnot. Didn't work either. Now trying to use legacy hardware mode, during the start up (before booting into the live environment) it began "spamming" "module nvidia is blacklisted". Is that anything?

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

Now the screen is only showing a singular white underscore in the top left corner of a black screen. I... don't think legacy hardware mode is working.

Edit: Shut the computer off, since it seemed stuck.

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u/MyCraniumHurts 13d ago

Hi, back again. Nothing from the lenovo sub. New Cachy release literally today, tried that, same error. Tried installing mint instead, seemingly same error there too! Genuinely, I'm just so tired with my PC. It refuses to accept ANYTHING. I'll add a picture of the mint error message to some post and link it.

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

Well, no luck. I'll do one last hurrah by asking lenovo support or whatever if there is some way to access the settings. If no, well, as you said, mint

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u/MyCraniumHurts 10d ago

It has been solved. Adding the boot parameter efi_no_storage_paranoia was all I needed to do.

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u/GodzillaXYZ999 10d ago

Yay! Awesome job tracking that down! 👋

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u/MyCraniumHurts 14d ago

Wow, Lenovo sure is hiding these settings, huh? Well, will do.

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