Sunday, March 29, 2020

Fix Invisible Drive for Linux Installer on Windows Notebook (ASUS VivoBook S14)

As it turns out it is not unusual to try to install Linux on a Windows notebook and notice that your installer (such as Unetbootin, for instance) can not locate any hard drive. The easiest way to fix it is to switch to legacy mode (Internet claims that legacy mode should be supported under any circumstances), but it is not always easy to find.

I got myself a new ASUS VivoBook S14 and there were no legacy option (it was in place on my old ACER Aspire V). I had to google around, try switching things on and off, and here is what changed things to the better:

-- get into BIOS menu (F2);
-- switch  to Advanced;
-- open SATA Configuration;
-- permanently switch it to AHCI.

This will make your hard drive visible and goodbye Windows.

My configuration:
ASUS VivoBook S14
Ubuntu 19.10 on Unetbootin USB stick
Temporary enabled boot with USB