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Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on Legacy BIOS with MBR Partitioning

When installing Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on an older system, you may run into an error where the BIOS fails to read the SSD, citing an MBR issue. This typically occurs because Ubuntu was installed using the GPT partition table, which is incompatible with legacy BIOS.

One of the solution is to reinstall Ubuntu with the MBR partition table, which is better supported by older systems. In addition to MBR, ensuring the SSD is formatted with the ext4 filesystem will optimize performance and reliability.

This process is straightforward but does require wiping the SSD and starting fresh. Here’s how to proceed with a clean, BIOS-compatible Ubuntu installation on your SSD.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to reinstall Ubuntu in a way that ensures BIOS compatibility and resolves the boot issue.

Step 1: Back Up Any Important Data

If there’s any data on the Ubuntu installation that you need, back it up first, as the following steps will delete all data on the SSD.

Step 2: Create a Bootable Ubuntu USB Drive

If you don’t already have one:

1. Download the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ISO from the official website.
2. Use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (cross-platform) to create a bootable USB.

Step 3: Boot from the USB and Start the Ubuntu Installer

1. Insert the USB drive into your computer.
2. Restart and enter your BIOS settings by pressing a key like F2, F12, or DEL (it varies by manufacturer).
3. Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
4. Save and exit the BIOS to boot from the USB.

Step 4: Delete the Current Partitions on the SSD

Once you’re in the Ubuntu installer:

1. Select “Try Ubuntu” to boot into a live environment.
2. Open GParted from the menu (it should be pre-installed in the live environment).
3. Locate your SSD (often /dev/sda or /dev/nvme0n1).
4. Delete all existing partitions by right-clicking each and choosing “Delete”.
5. Apply the changes to fully wipe the SSD.

Step 5: Reinstall Ubuntu with MBR and Ext4

1. Close GParted and start the Ubuntu Installer from the desktop icon.
2. During installation, choose “Erase Disk and Install Ubuntu.”
3. Select the “Advanced partitioning tool” to specify MBR as the partition table:
   • In the partitioning step, select MBR (it might be labeled as “msdos” in some partition tools).
4. Let Ubuntu automatically create a partition setup. This will format the main root (/) partition as ext4 and set up swap space as needed.

Step 6: Complete Installation and Reboot

1. Finish the installation, and when prompted, remove the USB drive.
2. Reboot your computer. It should now boot from the SSD with the MBR setup compatible with BIOS.

After setting up Ubuntu with the MBR partitioning scheme, your BIOS should now detect and boot from the SSD without any issues. Using MBR for BIOS systems ensures a seamless startup, allowing Ubuntu to function smoothly on older hardware without requiring dual boot configurations or advanced tweaks.

This configuration is both efficient and stable, making the most of Ubuntu’s features while remaining compatible with older systems.

For additional tips on extending the lifespan of your storage device, check out this guide on HDD lifespan tips for laptop owners. With Ubuntu correctly installed, you’ll experience an optimized, reliable setup that’s easy to maintain and capable of handling daily tasks.

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