Install Ubuntu 20.04 as the primary OS on Acer Nitro 5 AN515-52

SMshrimant · July 2020

Hi all,
I hope you are doing Good.

Currently, I am using Windows10 and I want to remove Windows10 completely and want to install Ubuntu 20.04 as my primary OS. Can someone help with the detailed steps from scratch(From BIOS changes, To bootable USB, To installation process)

I took the backup of the current Windows10 in another Pendrive.

1) Details of my laptop

Intel® Core™ i5-8300H processor
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
8 GB of DDR4 system memory, upgradable to 32 GB
15.6" display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, Full HD 1920 x 1080, Acer ComfyView™ LED-backlit TFT LCD
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 Ti with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM
256 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
Microsoft Office 2019 Home & Student

2) Bootable Ubuntu USB

I did a little bit of research and found these steps for making Bootable Ubuntu USB using Rufus

Partition Scheme: GPT
Target System: UEFI(non CSM)
File System: FAT32(Default)

Please correct me if I am wrong.

3) BIOS settings

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/e4/b6iuaxmg4udf.jpg

One.jpg

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Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/ss/66t2xdjib86v.jpg

Two.jpg

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Three.jpg

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Four.jpg

Can you please suggest what modifications/changes need to be done in current settings?

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Acer-Samuel

SMshrimant · July 2020

I have seen @MaClane active in this community and also answers doubts related to Linux. It would be great if you, also show some light on the above thread.

Thanks,

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Acer-Samuel

MaClane · July 2020

Good Morning SMshrimant !

LINUX INSTALLATION TUTORIAL

First you will need a USB stick and an ISO exclusively x64bis.
ISO, download this link: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop

So let's create the installation media:
1- Convert the pendrive to the GPT standard and format with the Fat32 system:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/m5/wkncb5qa07y2.png

2- Now unzip the contents of the ISO to the USB stick.

Bios Configuration

You must first create the super user password. ("Set Supervisor Password" in the Security tab)
Then save and exit.
Access Bios again:

1- SecureBoot must be disabled
2- must set the base in UEFi
3- SataMode must be set to AHCi (if it is not accessible, press Ctrl + S in the MAIN tab)
4- F12BootMenu must be enabled
5- FastBoot must be disabled
6- after the changes, press F10 to save the changes and exit.

Now just insert the pendrive and segment the installation procedure.

5- as soon as you turn on the device, press F12 before the Acer logo is displayed
6- select the pendrive unit.
7- go following the instructions on the screen and in the step of selecting the partitions, format the entire disk and create the partitions again.
8- now just select the option to install Linux.

SMshrimant · July 2020

Hi @MaClane,

Thanks for detailed explanation.

I am having Following doubts

1) Do I need to update/upgrade the BIOS ? My current version is shown below

C:\Users\smshr> wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
SMBIOSBIOSVersion
V1.28

2) For making Bootable Ubuntu USB can I follow starting part of this video ?

Please have a look a look.

Thanks,

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Acer-Samuel

MaClane · July 2020

1- There is no need to update Bios
2- You can follow the video, but that way I have no way to continue the support since the installation system is different, even if it works.

SMshrimant · July 2020

1. Okay
2. Actually I'm talking about the Bootable USB part. Can I follow ONLY the Bootable USB part from above video. Because remaining steps I'll be following which you have explained above.

Thanks.

egydiocoelho · July 2020

Before changing sata mode to ahci in bios, you must first enable secure boot on windows:

a) press windows + r and type msconfig. Then, go to system boot and activate safe boot;

b) then, restart windows and access the bios;

c) press ctrl + s and change the sata mode to ahci;

d) it is advisable to disable fast startup also in the energy options;

Then just follow the tip from colleague maclane.

MaClane · July 2020

There is no need because as the user has already informed the Windows system will not be maintained.

SMshrimant · July 2020

Hi @MaClane,

1) So the steps @egydiocoelho mentioned will only be applicable if I use Windows afterwards, correct?

But In my case I will be only installing Ubuntu 20.04 as Primary OS so are those steps required for me/Linux?

2) In previous comments, I was talking about the Bootable USB part. Can I follow ONLY the Bootable USB part from above video. Because remaining steps I'll be following which you have explained above.

Thanks.

aphanic · July 2020

Can you still boot into Windows? Because creating a bootable USB stick from there is as easy as getting Rufus, it automatically populates the values once you select the Ubuntu image to install:

Done, then do as @MaClane said and switch to AHCI or you'll have trouble dealing with your internal disk in Linux (RST is a pain to work with over there) and you're done. The USB will appear in the F12 menu whether you were running an UEFI system (recommended) or legacy and the installer will take care of deleting every partition from the internal hard drive if that's what you wish.

MaClane · July 2020

SMshrimant said:

Hi @MaClane,

1) So the steps @egydiocoelho mentioned will only be applicable if I use Windows afterwards, correct?
But In my case I will be only installing Ubuntu 20.04 as Primary OS so are those steps required for me/Linux?

2) In previous comments, I was talking about the Bootable USB part. Can I follow ONLY the Bootable USB part from above video. Because remaining steps I'll be following which you have explained above.

Thanks.

1- Yes, these steps would be only if you were to keep Windows in dual

2- I recommend that you follow the tutorial I gave you to have the most direct and manual way to perform

SMshrimant · July 2020

Sure,

Thanks @MaClane @aphanic @egydiocoelho

Can you guys DM me on https://twitter.com/smshrimant

Actually I am planing to start the installation process now and definitely I will get lot of queries during installation process.

Just want someone has helping hand who can quickly clear the doubts so that I can move with further process.

Thanks,

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Acer-Samuel

aphanic · July 2020

I'm not on Twitter so I'm out, but if it helps I just recorded what an installation of Xubuntu 20.04 would be in a machine that had Windows 10 installed.

Since you want to just keep Windows I left it all by default, partitioning and all, just choosing to erase the whole disk and install Xubuntu on its place. I imagine the installation of Ubuntu to be the same, after all ubiquity (the installer) is being used across all of the spins.

After the installation is done, remember to update the system because even though I was connected to the Internet the whole time it doesn't download and install new packages but relies mostly on what there is in the installation media.

You could do it manually in a terminal like this for example:

$ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade --with-new-pkgs

Or you could leave it to the GUI that warns you of outdated packages which should pop up any second after connecting to the net. Finally, get rid of packages that are no longer needed if you aim to keep the system clean, and the rest is just for you to decide what software you need and what you don't:

$ sudo apt-get autopurge

Here's the video:

MaClane · July 2020

My recommendation is that you do not connect to the internet or download any updates or packages during the installation.
Skip all these steps and only after installed update, is necessary.

SMshrimant · July 2020

Hi,

I have 256 GB SSD as well, as mentioned in first comment.

So by using above methods/steps I will be able to access and install Ubuntu on SSD right?

Thanks,

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Acer-Samuel

aphanic · July 2020

Let's see, Windows is installed where, in the SSD I presume?

What I understood is that you wanted to get rid of the Windows installation (in the SSD) and leave the contents of the 1TB drive intact. The installation will prompt you where you want to install Ubuntu. I had just but a drive in the demo, but here's an example of what you can see when there's more than one drive:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/lc/h9bmmovz8bfk.gif

When you choose to erase the disk and just leave Ubuntu installed you're prompted for the disk you want to install Ubuntu in. The difference in size should be evident, but their names too, choose the SSD in that screen. The rest I believe would be the same.

I'm an Arch guy myself and I'm not particularly fond on Ubuntu's installer, but it seems as automated as it can be, just like many things in Windows it's next, next, next.

SMshrimant · July 2020

Ok Thanks @aphanic

Yes, My Windows is installed in SSD and I dont have lot of data in SSD/HDD so its OK for me If data from both drive is removed.

All I want is working Ubuntu 20.04 on my laptop also with access to SSD/HDD.

I have started the process of installation. While using cmd I used this commands.

Microsoft DiskPart version 10.0.18362.1<br><br>Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation.<br>On computer: LAPTOP-NM1ROI24<br><br>DISKPART> list disk<br><br>  Disk ###  Status         Size     Free     Dyn  Gpt<br>  --------  -------------  -------  -------  ---  ---<br>  Disk 0    Online          931 GB      0 B        *<br>  Disk 1    Online          238 GB     8 MB        *<br>  Disk 2    Online           14 GB      0 B        *<br><br>DISKPART> sel disk 2<br><br>Disk 2 is now the selected disk.<br><br>DISKPART> clean<br><br>DiskPart succeeded in cleaning the disk.<br><br>DISKPART> convert gpt<br><br>The disk you specified is not MBR formatted.<br>Please select an empty MBR disk to convert.<br><br>DISKPART> list disk<br><br>  Disk ###  Status         Size     Free     Dyn  Gpt<br>  --------  -------------  -------  -------  ---  ---<br>  Disk 0    Online          931 GB      0 B        *<br>  Disk 1    Online          238 GB     8 MB        *<br>  Disk 2    Online           14 GB    14 GB        *<br><br>DISKPART> sel disk 2<br><br>Disk 2 is now the selected disk.<br><br>DISKPART> convert gpt<br><br>The disk you specified is not MBR formatted.<br>Please select an empty MBR disk to convert.<br><br>DISKPART> create partition primary<br><br>DiskPart succeeded in creating the specified partition.<br><br>DISKPART> format fs=fat32 quick<br><br>  100 percent completed<br><br>DiskPart successfully formatted the volume.<br><br>DISKPART> assign<br><br>DiskPart successfully assigned the drive letter or mount point.<br><br>DISKPART>

After completing this I used 7-zip to extract Ubuntu ISO file in USB stick. This steps are correct right?

Can anyone of you mail me at [email protected] was having few more doubts and don't want to stretch this thread for those doubts.

Thanks,

Shrimant More.

SMshrimant · July 2020

Ok thanks @aphanic

Yes, Windows is installed in SSD and I dont have lot of data in SSD/HDD so its OK if data is erased.

All I want is working Ubuntu 20.04 with access to SSD and HDD.

I have followed this steps through CMD

Microsoft DiskPart version 10.0.18362.1<br><br>Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation.<br>On computer: LAPTOP-NM1ROI24<br><br>DISKPART> list disk<br><br>  Disk ###  Status         Size     Free     Dyn  Gpt<br>  --------  -------------  -------  -------  ---  ---<br>  Disk 0    Online          931 GB      0 B        *<br>  Disk 1    Online          238 GB     8 MB        *<br>  Disk 2    Online           14 GB      0 B        *<br><br>DISKPART> sel disk 2<br><br>Disk 2 is now the selected disk.<br><br>DISKPART> clean<br><br>DiskPart succeeded in cleaning the disk.<br><br>DISKPART> convert gpt<br><br>The disk you specified is not MBR formatted.<br>Please select an empty MBR disk to convert.<br><br>DISKPART> list disk<br><br>  Disk ###  Status         Size     Free     Dyn  Gpt<br>  --------  -------------  -------  -------  ---  ---<br>  Disk 0    Online          931 GB      0 B        *<br>  Disk 1    Online          238 GB     8 MB        *<br>  Disk 2    Online           14 GB    14 GB        *<br><br>DISKPART> sel disk 2<br><br>Disk 2 is now the selected disk.<br><br>DISKPART> convert gpt<br><br>The disk you specified is not MBR formatted.<br>Please select an empty MBR disk to convert.<br><br>DISKPART> create partition primary<br><br>DiskPart succeeded in creating the specified partition.<br><br>DISKPART> format fs=fat32 quick<br><br>  100 percent completed<br><br>DiskPart successfully formatted the volume.<br><br>DISKPART> assign<br><br>DiskPart successfully assigned the drive letter or mount point.<br><br>DISKPART>

After this, I extracted Ubuntu iso in USB using 7zip, this steps are correct right?

Can anyone of you mail me at [email protected] because I have more such doubts and I dont want to stretch this thread for those doubts.

Thanks,

Shrimant More.

SMshrimant · July 2020

I have followed this steps through CMD

Microsoft DiskPart version 10.0.18362.1

Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation.
On computer: LAPTOP-NM1ROI24

DISKPART> list disk

Disk ### Status         Size     Free     Dyn Gpt
-------- ------------- ------- ------- --- ---
Disk 0    Online          931 GB      0 B        *
Disk 1    Online          238 GB     8 MB        *
Disk 2    Online           14 GB      0 B        *

DISKPART> sel disk 2

Disk 2 is now the selected disk.

DISKPART> clean

DiskPart succeeded in cleaning the disk.

DISKPART> convert gpt

The disk you specified is not MBR formatted.
Please select an empty MBR disk to convert.

DISKPART> list disk

Disk ### Status         Size     Free     Dyn Gpt
-------- ------------- ------- ------- --- ---
Disk 0    Online          931 GB      0 B        *
Disk 1    Online          238 GB     8 MB        *
Disk 2    Online           14 GB    14 GB        *

DISKPART> sel disk 2

Disk 2 is now the selected disk.

DISKPART> convert gpt

The disk you specified is not MBR formatted.
Please select an empty MBR disk to convert.

DISKPART> create partition primary

DiskPart succeeded in creating the specified partition.

DISKPART> format fs=fat32 quick

100 percent completed

DiskPart successfully formatted the volume.

DISKPART> assign

DiskPart successfully assigned the drive letter or mount point.

DISKPART>

Thanks,
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Acer-Samuel

SMshrimant · July 2020

Hi @MaClane
I followed this steps

2- Now unzip the contents of the ISO to the USB stick.

Bios Configuration

You must first create the super user password. ("Set Supervisor Password" in the Security tab)

Then save and exit.

Access Bios again:

1- SecureBoot must be disabled

2- must set the base in UEFi

3- SataMode must be set to AHCi (if it is not accessible, press Ctrl + S in the MAIN tab)

4- F12BootMenu must be enabled

5- FastBoot must be disabled

6- after the changes, press F10 to save the changes and exit.

Now just insert the pendrive and segment the installation procedure.

5- as soon as you turn on the device, press F12 before the Acer logo is displayed

And now when I do F12 I can only see windows boot manager in the list.
I can't see the Bootable USB Stick in the list.

Is that because I used 7zip software to unzip the files in USB?

NOTE: As I'm not able to access windows i have another laptop which has linux installed in it. Is there any way where I can make Bootable usb with Gpt partition using linux?

Thanks,
Edited the content to hide personal information
Acer-Samuel

MaClane · July 2020

Was the pendrive really created correctly?
Check the Bios settings again.

You can do it on Linux if you know how, usually via the terminal you should install some packages first.