When you’re trying to boot Ubuntu from a USB drive, you might encounter an error message stating “unable to find a medium containing a live file system”. This error can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common causes of this error and provide detailed solutions to help you fix it.
Understanding the Error
The error “unable to find a medium containing a live file system” typically occurs when the system is unable to read the file system on the USB drive where the Ubuntu ISO file is stored. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as incorrect BIOS settings, a faulty USB port, or an issue with the ISO file itself.
Checking the ISO File
The first step in troubleshooting this error is to verify the integrity of the Ubuntu ISO file. You can do this by checking the md5sum of the file, which is a unique identifier.
To check the md5sum, open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the ISO file is stored. Then, run the following command:
md5sum ubuntu-xx.xx.isoReplace “ubuntu-xx.xx.iso” with the name of your ISO file. This command will output a string of characters, which is the md5sum of the file. Compare this with the official md5sum provided by Ubuntu on their website. If the two don’t match, it means the ISO file is corrupted and you’ll need to download it again.
Adjusting BIOS Settings
If the ISO file is fine, the next step is to check your BIOS settings. There are several settings that could potentially cause this error.
Switching from IDE to AHCI
Some users have reported that switching their SATA mode from IDE to AHCI in their BIOS settings resolved the error. To do this, restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup. The method for doing this varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer, but it typically involves pressing a key such as F2, F10, or Delete during startup.
Once in the BIOS setup, look for a setting related to SATA mode. If it’s set to IDE, change it to AHCI. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup, then try booting from the USB drive again.
Enabling IOMMU Controller
For users with Gigabyte motherboards, enabling the IOMMU Controller in the BIOS settings has been reported to solve the issue. The IOMMU Controller is a feature that allows the system to remap I/O DMA transfers and interrupts.
Switching Between UEFI and Legacy Boot Modes
Another BIOS setting that could cause this error is the boot mode. If your BIOS is set to UEFI mode, try switching it to Legacy mode, or vice versa. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup, then try booting from the USB drive again.
Trying Different USB Ports and Drives
Sometimes, the error can be caused by a faulty USB port or drive. Try plugging the USB drive into a different port, or use a different USB drive if you have one available. Additionally, try switching between USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, as some users have reported that this resolved the error.
Using a Different Tool to Create the Bootable USB
If none of the above solutions work, you might want to try using a different tool to create the bootable USB drive. While UNetbootin is a popular choice, some users have reported that using a tool like MultiSystem instead solved the error.
Conclusion
The “unable to find a medium containing a live file system” error can be frustrating, but with a bit of troubleshooting, it’s usually possible to resolve it. If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and are still encountering the error, it’s recommended to seek further assistance from the Ubuntu community or explore other forums for additional ideas.
If the md5sum of the Ubuntu ISO file doesn’t match the official md5sum, it means the file is corrupted. You should download the ISO file again from the official Ubuntu website to ensure its integrity.
To switch from IDE to AHCI in the BIOS settings, you need to restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup. The method for entering the BIOS setup can vary depending on your computer’s manufacturer, but it usually involves pressing a key like F2, F10, or Delete during startup. Once in the BIOS setup, look for a setting related to SATA mode and change it from IDE to AHCI. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
The IOMMU Controller is a feature that allows the system to remap I/O DMA transfers and interrupts. To enable it in Gigabyte motherboards, you need to enter the BIOS setup by restarting your computer and pressing the appropriate key (such as F2, F10, or Delete) during startup. Once in the BIOS setup, look for a setting related to the IOMMU Controller and enable it. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
To switch between UEFI and Legacy boot modes in the BIOS settings, restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup. Look for a setting related to the boot mode and switch it from UEFI to Legacy or vice versa. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
If you’ve tried all the solutions mentioned and are still encountering the error, it’s recommended to seek further assistance from the Ubuntu community or explore other forums for additional ideas. The Ubuntu community is usually very helpful and can provide specific guidance based on your system configuration and the error you’re experiencing.
