I'm trying to install Debian 13.6 amd64 DVD on an HP laptop with an AMD Ryzen 3 64-bit processor, an SSD, and Windows 11 currently installed. Secure Boot is disabled, and the ISO passed checksum verification. Rufus failed in both GPT and DD modes, while balenaEtcher reported an error at the end of the process. Ventoy also stopped partway through with an error. I've tested multiple USB drives, but the boot menu still shows "Error: Invalid magic number." What else should I check or try?
3 Answers
The USB may have a damaged or confusing partition table left over from previous use. Wipe the drive completely, create a fresh GPT partition table, and then recreate the installer with Rufus or another imaging tool. Be extremely careful to select the USB device, since wiping it will erase everything on it. Also try a different USB port if possible.
Double-check that the image matches the laptop’s architecture and that the download is valid. An AMD Ryzen 3 system should use the amd64 image, not an ARM or 32-bit build. It’s also worth confirming the exact ISO filename and checking whether the firmware is set to boot the USB in the appropriate UEFI mode.
Try creating the installer with Ventoy, then copy the verified ISO onto the USB instead of flashing it directly. Since Ventoy and balenaEtcher both reported write errors, test with another known-good USB drive as well. Those failures can indicate a problem with the drive or the USB port even when the ISO itself is fine.
I already tested Ventoy and several other USB drives, but Ventoy stopped halfway with an error and the same boot problem continued.
The laptop has an AMD Ryzen 3 64-bit processor, and I’m using the Debian 13.6 amd64 DVD image. I also verified the ISO checksum, so the download appears to be intact.