Score:8

"452: out of range pointer" during installation - Why? And how to fix it?

bh flag

I'm trying to install Ubuntu 23.04 on a newly-assembled home server (just a mini-PC with 32GB of RAM), but whatever entry I select (install, safe graphics, test memory) I get the "out of range pointer" error. I'm using a physical, non-ARM machine.

The specifics are:

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (integrated graphics)
  • 32GB (16GBx2) of RAM @ 3200MHz
  • M.2 500GB disk

I've tried googling around, but the only relevant result was about an updated installation no longer working, nothing about an ongoing one.

Please, be very specific and detailed with your instructions or if you need more details.

Score:8
ss flag

I had the same error when I installed Ubuntu 22.04 using Rufus latest version 4. After much digging I found this has to do with that mentioned Rufus latest version 4 bug. Following suggestions of Rufus dev in this thread, https://github.com/pbatard/rufus/issues/2233, I finally fix it by installing it with old Rufus version 3.13

Dean Kuga avatar
va flag
Just to confirm R 3.13 worked for me too. R 4 did not.
musbach avatar
pt flag
I confirm as well: R3.13 works, R4.0 gives the same error.
Score:6
cn flag

Rufus fixed this in version 4.0. From Rufu's changelog at GitHub:

Fix out-of-range pointer error with Ubuntu 23.04 when booting in BIOS mode

Akeo avatar
hk flag
Yeah, the root of the problem is that because GRUB (the bootloader that is actually generating the error) is not releasing in a timely manner, the Ubuntu people have been cherry-picking patches from the upcoming GRUB codebase, and these patches were not included in the **vanilla** GRUB 2.06 version provided by Rufus, hence the error. If GRUB were producing releases on a timely basis, these kind of issues wouldn't happen, as Ubuntu would just pick the latest and wouldn't have to apply custom pacthes, but, sadly, the GRUB project chooses NOT to release when they have more than enough changes to.
Akeo avatar
hk flag
Note however that, because patched GRUB 2.06 version is incompatible with a vanilla GRUB 2.06 version, and it's impossible to detect what patches a GRUB 2.06 bootloader executable has had applied, this change may result in older Ubuntu versions now producing the `452: out of range pointer` error when using Rufus 4.0... In that case, you may want to try with Rufus 3.22 instead of Rufus 4.0 which you can download [here](https://rufus.ie/downloads/).
TCooper avatar
cn flag
@Akeo real world confirmation attempting to install Ubuntu Server 22.04.2 today. Thank you for your solution.
Score:3
vu flag

I just had the exact same issue, while trying to boot Ubuntu from a USB-Key on a Lenovo Tiny Box. After not finding any relatable Info just like you did, I tried to Check how my boot devices were listed. Turns out my Box tried to boot in Legacy mode, and choosing UEFI-Mode made it work like a charm. Maybe that'll work for you aswell.

Pesky_Steve avatar
bh flag
Thank you for your reply. I'm using a mini-ITX mobo, no issues with the boot sequence/mode. I solved the problem by installing Ubuntu 22.10 and then upgrading to 23.04. It seems the issue lies in GRUB, rather than the system itself.
CrossEntropy avatar
id flag
Thanks! You brought me back from the verge of insanity!
Score:1
bh flag

I solved the issue by installing the previous version (22.10) and then updating to the latest (23.04).
Unfortunately, I'm not knowledgeable enough to even guess the reason behind this error.

Score:0
mw flag

I think I am encountering this same issue. I see a top reply above making me think I am seeing this error because the Win10 system is UEFI, but my USB bootable is listed under Legacy. Not sure how to fix this, so I'll have to search around. I used Rufus to make this a UEFI bootable, so a bit confused at this point. (Dell XPS laptop)

Josh avatar
mw flag
My Solution: Press F12 do get to the Boot Options Go to BIOS General Boot Sequence Make sure Boot List Option is selected as UEFI Select Add Boot Option Add your USB from the list.
Score:0
mw flag

Did you figure this out? Think this has to do with the system being UEFI, but my Dell XPS is showing the USB under Legacy Boot Options and I'm ignorantly clicking it.

My Solution: Press F12 do get to the Boot Options Go to BIOS General Boot Sequence Make sure Boot List Option is selected as UEFI Select Add Boot Option Add your USB from the list.

Score:0
ro flag

Rufus 4.0.2035 Created in MBR failed Created in GPT DD success Was able to write the image with the current version of rufus in DD no issue with booting from usb or the install

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