It sounds like you're encountering issues with the disk not being recognized during the Ubuntu installation on your MSI gaming laptop. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot this problem:
- Check BIOS Settings: Ensure that the SATA mode is set to AHCI in the BIOS. Sometimes, if it's set to RAID or IDE, it can cause issues with recognizing the hard drive during installation.
- Disable Secure Boot: Since you are using an NVIDIA graphics card, it might be necessary to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS. This can sometimes prevent the installation of non-Windows operating systems. You can usually access the BIOS by pressing a key like F1, F2, F12, or Esc during boot-up.
- UEFI vs Legacy Mode: Make sure you're booting the USB installation media in the same mode (UEFI or Legacy) as your Windows installation. If Windows is installed in UEFI mode, the USB should also be booted in UEFI mode.
- Partitioning: If you have shrunk your Windows partition, ensure that the unallocated space is formatted correctly. Ubuntu requires unallocated space to install. You can use tools like GParted from a live USB to manage partitions.
- Try a Different USB Port: Sometimes, using a different USB port can help, especially if you have USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports available. Try using a USB 2.0 port if possible.
- Recreate the Installation Media: If all else fails, consider recreating your USB installation media using a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher, ensuring that you select the correct partition scheme (GPT for UEFI).
If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consult the MSI support forums or Ubuntu community for more specific guidance related to your hardware configuration.
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