Can't See System Disk on Dell OptiPlex 3050 to install HA OS

Installation
1

Hi there. Newbie here. I will try to be clear and concise

  • I have purchased a second-hand Dell OptiPlex 3050 with 8GB ram and 128GB SSD. It has windows 10 installed currently.
  • I am trying to flash the SSD with HA OS.
  • I have followed the instructions, booted to Ubuntu using a flash drive, loaded Balena Etcher for Ubuntu on another flash drive, copied the HA OS to the Ubuntu Downloads and also Balena Etcher. I can open Etcher and it sees the Flash Drives, but it doesn’t see the SSD.
  • I have also tried using terminal with the command “lsblk” to list the disks. The 128GB SSD is not shown there, either.

I opened the case and it seems there is some sort of flash disk, not what I would call a regular SSD. I have never seen it before, but I can see it says 128 GB.

image
image1920×1440 221 KB

From what I can see, Ubuntu cannot see the disk. When I launch Disk Manager, I still cannot see the disk.

When I boot in windows, I can see the SSD reading 128 GB.

I need to flash this SSD to get HA OS working. Anyone have any suggestions on what to try next?

Thanks

Matt

2

I’m doing some research on the side, and found this. It could be that Dell doesn’t support booting Ubuntu from this type of disk. boot - How to install Ubuntu on a dell latitude 5400 with WD SN520 NVMe SSD? - Ask Ubuntu

3

I can’t help you exactly, as I don’t know the BIOS of this machine.

But very big chance, that BIOS is exactly, where you want to have a look.

The NVMe drive (that’s the kind of SSD, you have) can be just protected against overwriting inside the BIOS.

Also have a look there on the UEFI settings.

I had kind of same problem with some HP thin clients, and needed to reset BIOS totally to get them accept new OS.

(total reset - in most cases: remove backup battery on the motherboard, press POWER button for at least 20 seconds, put battery back. In some cases there is even a jumper on the board, that needs to be removed temporarily)

4

Things to check IMHO

as per @BebeMischa wipe the CMOS
make sure you have the latest BIOS from Dell
make sure you have the latest firmware for the storage controller - i think the dells use Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) User Interface and Driver
make sure you are in UEFI mode
make sure secure boot is disabaled
wipe any raid config in the bios or the controller
check this OptiPlex 3050 support for PCIe M.2 SSD hard drives | Dell UK and confirm compatibility

1 Like
5

Thanks for the reply. I did check the BIOS and I can see the NVMe SSD in the bios. It runs Windows, so I know it is working. I went back to the video that recommended the hardware and note that it removed the NVMe SSD and flashed it from a windows machine. This requires an adaptor ($29 from Amazon). I then realised I could by a SATA 2.5" SSD for $29, so I have purchased that instead. I will try again on the weekend with my new drive. The added benefit is I get to keep my device as a dual boot machine.

6

Thanks. I have UEFI and secure boot sorted. the BIOS definitely has raid configured. I was reluctant to touch that (yesterday) as I didn’t’ know what effect it would have. I have ordered the SATA SSD now, so I will wait to see if that sorts it, otherwise I will try some of these suggestions.

Thanks both for the replies.

7

the nvme that came with my “renewed” PC from amazon lasted about 2 weeks - at least yours is WD :slight_smile: Good luck :slight_smile:

8

if the bios has raid configured but only one drive that may well be it.

9

And, if not necessary, do not swap a NVMe drive for an SATA SSD. You will loose performance unnecessary :wink:

10

Thanks for the advice. I had already purchased the SATA ssd, so I will stick with that for now. I may come back to the NVMe if performance is an issue, as suggested.

I still have issues, but different issues now. I will browse for solutions and create a new thread if needed.