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"Executing 'grub-install/dev/sda' failed. This is a fatal error" when installing Ubuntu 20.04.3 on a new disk

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I recently got a new disk (Western Digital blue 250GB SATA) and I tried to install Ubuntu 20.04.3 on it.

The first time I tried installing from a USB key (created from Ubuntu's startup disk creator), I choose to install automatically on the SSD and the installation went well until it displayed the message: "Executing 'grub-install/dev/sda' failed. This is a fatal error". This was the only disk on the PC.

The second time I tried I had the new SSD in the port 0 with the failed install and the old HDD on port 1 with an install of Ubuntu 20.04.3, but the same thing happened again. This time I choose to automatically erase de SSD and install.

Finally, I tried manual partitioning, which worked but when trying to boot it doesn't recognized it. Only if I press F10 to manually chose the booting location I can boot it.

Some maybe relevant info: processor: Intel core i5-2400k Motherboard: Intel dh67bl

I would be happy to provide any other information necessary.

ChanganAuto avatar
us flag
Are you by any chance booting (and consequently installing) in Legacy mode (AKA CSM AKA "BIOS")?
themaker avatar
ug flag
@ChanganAuto I have UEFI boot enabled on the BIOS, is that what you mean? I am not well versed on booting. Also I have fast boot disabled if that's relevant.
ChanganAuto avatar
us flag
All computers at least since 2012 have UEFI so UEFI mode is enabled. But almost all also allow Legacy by default. Then, with a USB installer made with any tool except Rufus, that boots either way, it depends on the how it is booted. Better to disable Legacy/CSM to assure it always boots (and installs) in UEFI mode.
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