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August 26th, 2025 10:24
Pro Max 16 MC16250, cannot install Linux
I have a new Dell Pro Max 16 (MC 16250) that came with Windows installed.
I've tried several times to install Linux but always get stuck. I've disabeld secure boot and sata/nvme operation is set to AHCI/NVMe. What I'm finding on booting from a USB is that I can get into GRUB and select a kernel but in the boot process it seems to lose the USB:
usb3-port7: device descriptor read/64, error -110
I've tried with several different physical USB drives and Linux images as well as both USB ports, and all have similar issues.
Any advice? Gemini thought some drivers for the USB weren't being loaded, for what it's worth.
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anne_droid
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August 27th, 2025 10:49
Hi
Did you try any of the DELL options?
Ubuntu Linux 22.04 LTS (64-bit)
Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS (64-bit) (for some configurations, per official Ubuntu certification).
anne_droid
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August 27th, 2025 10:43
Hi
To try and break this down into smaller chunks...
You can either (both if you have enough USB sticks) RUFUS / VENTOY to create the installer.
Start with a fairly easy Distro like MINT and check it's not corrupted if you wish.
The ISO will drop onto the VENTOY USB without any decompressing/extracting.
Rufus will possibly check the ISO for validity/veracity as it is on an option screen.
Next YOU MUST ENSURE that Windows has released it's hold on the HDD/SSD
ANY/ALL fast start up options must be OFF, and a CLEAN shutdown is essential, no Hibernate or Sleep at all.
Next would be to boot from the USB and observe the options available.
Mint will run LIVE without installing, so that it can be assessed before choosing to install.
Windows normally has 4 partitions, BOOT, hidden, C:\ and REcovery.
Linux can/will install GRuB into that same BOOT partition alongside Windows.
Then the other partitions are / (root) /home (optional, but recommended) and SWAP (optional).
If in doubt please ask.
justin_brody
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August 30th, 2025 15:45
Thanks for the responses! Resetting the BIOS and using a Dell image seems to have worked!
anne_droid
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August 31st, 2025 11:56
Prego.