I'm attempting to install Linux on my PC with an i5-2400 processor and 8GB of RAM, paired with an ASUS P8H61 PRO motherboard. Both Kubuntu and Zorin OS freeze at the 'try or install' step. I've tried using the safe graphic option for both distributions, but it didn't help. Typically, I create the bootable USB using Balena Etcher, but I also experimented with ISO Image Writer—still faced the same issue. Unfortunately, Ctrl+Alt+Fx doesn't do anything either. Can anyone suggest what might be causing this issue?
EDIT: I managed to bypass the screen freeze by selecting USB instead of UEFI:USB in the boot options, but now I'm stuck with a flashing cursor and nothing works, not even Ctrl+Alt+Fx.
1 Answer
Have you tried booting in UEFI mode or using BIOS compatibility mode instead? Also, it could help to know what type of HDD you're using. Make sure your SATA controller is set to AHCI instead of IDE or RAID; this setting can cause issues with the installation. If you're still having trouble, you might want to test with a different OS like Fedora 43 to see if that works any better for you.
I checked the SATA controller settings and switched to AHCI, but unfortunately, it didn’t make a difference. The screen just stays black with the flashing cursor. I doubt trying another distribution would help since both Kubuntu and Zorin were a no-go.