Attempting to set up Ubuntu Server on an older laptop
Attempting to set up Ubuntu Server on an older laptop
I recently purchased a new laptop and chose to repurpose the old one as a basic server for storing files and serving media. I opted for Ubuntu Server because it seemed the easiest path. But for some strange reason, I’m unable to install it properly. Whenever I launch the installer, it either crashes at the same section repeatedly or it reaches the logs area but shows no activity—just a blank screen. After leaving it running for hours, it still refuses to install. I’ve tested Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS and 20.04 LTS, but the problem persists consistently. I’ve searched online for similar issues, yet I can’t find any solution. Every time I try, the process halts unexpectedly or fails completely. I was certain I followed all the instructions and consulted multiple guides, so I’m really puzzled. Do you have any insight into what might be causing this?
Check the process on a memory test for that gadget
Ensure the file is accurate and test with another USB stick
I've stopped installing any operating system. It works with Ubuntu Desktop, Debian 12, and even Windows. The Windows installer stops at a certain point and restarts to the main menu. I'm unsure what to do next. It seems to come from the official Ubuntu downloads site. I need help figuring out how to run a memory test, maybe using another USB drive now.
It seems something went wrong during the installation, as the server had Ubuntu Server already installed.
Set up a swap partition on the storage drive. Launch from the USB and open Gparted, or obtain the ISO live file and copy it to the USB. Create a partition of 8GB near the start of the disk for better performance. This ensures you won’t run out of available memory later. However, performance may still degrade significantly, making delays unacceptable. Ventoy lets you install several ISO images without flashing them, enabling multiple boot options. Examples include DBAN, Gparted, UBCD with Grub if no bootloader exists, and other alternatives. Restart the Ubuntu server setup and run the command: swapon --show. This displays active swap details, whether it’s a file or a partition. Proceed with installation again. It’s surprising Windows won’t install properly—consider testing on a different USB port.
To perform a RAM test as suggested by @PCGamer2727, use the provided link for the tool. Verify the download hash and ensure the installation ISO is intact. Compare the hashes; a mismatch indicates corruption. If the file appears damaged, consider replacing your storage device or using Rufus to check your USB.