I failed to install ArchLinux on random laptop I found outside

nukedefuser · 2024-08-13 08:00:24

Yes, I found a random laptop on the street.
But now, straight to the topic, it can't install Arch.
(sorry if I posted to the wrong discussion)

What have I done?

- At first, it seems like doesn't have any OS, so I decided to install ArchLinux
- When I perform gdisk, all 4 sections (including MBR and GPT) are flagged as `not present`, and there's no error, too.
- After successfully update my partition table, I go ahead and use iwctl to connect it with wifi, and use archinstall like I always do with my PC.
- Now, after done configurating my installation, I start the installation. But here's when something weird happened.

What is the weird thing?

- Normally, mkfs.ext4 shouldn't take long, around 5-15 seconds. But, it took me 2 hours to format this thing and throw out error. The error also include libparted saying: unrecognised disk label: /dev/sda2
- Since I think there's something seriously wrong, I decided to use Hiren's BootCD. Open up Command prompt and use Diskpart tool, select the disk, and perform command "clean all"
- Took around 4 hours, and it again throw out error: Virtual Disk Error: The specified device is not found. At this point, I think something is wrong with the drive. So I tried to list it, but there's nothing about my drive.
- After I completely power it off, and power it on back, the drive is recognized, but still, not writable or readable.

Are there any hopes for this lappy? Here's the info of the lappy if you're interested: Dell Vostro 2420
I really appreciate to everyone who helps me.
SmartCTL log: https://0x0.st/XWkS.txt

(I just have read some of the first line, SmartCTL said PASSED.)

Edit: I just noticed that if I make a new partition table (GPT) and then power off, and turn it on back, the partition table wiped, like it just forget about it.

Last edited by nukedefuser (2024-08-13 08:01:24)

Roken · 2024-08-13 11:34:32

SMART Extended Comprehensive Error Log Version: 1 (2 sectors)
Device Error Count: 49769 (device log contains only the most recent 8 errors)

That doesn't look like a healthy drive to me. Have you tried swapping the drive out?

Head_on_a_Stick · 2024-08-13 13:09:26

Or just check if it's seated properly. Might have been knocked when it was lying around. No sense throwing good money after bad.

Last edited by Head_on_a_Stick (2024-08-13 13:09:55)

nukedefuser · 2024-08-13 15:43:55

Roken wrote:

SMART Extended Comprehensive Error Log Version: 1 (2 sectors)
Device Error Count: 49769 (device log contains only the most recent 8 errors)
That doesn't look like a healthy drive to me. Have you tried swapping the drive out?

Uhh I haven't tried, since it is impossible for me to disassemble it, I can't take the keyboard out. Probably I might ask somebody for tools

nukedefuser · 2024-08-13 15:44:29

Head_on_a_Stick wrote:

Or just check if it's seated properly. Might have been knocked when it was lying around. No sense throwing good money after bad.

Alright, I might check soon.

nukedefuser · 2024-08-14 14:11:46

Roken wrote:

SMART Extended Comprehensive Error Log Version: 1 (2 sectors)
Device Error Count: 49769 (device log contains only the most recent 8 errors)
That doesn't look like a healthy drive to me. Have you tried swapping the drive out?

I just tried, and booted to Arch Linux Live ISO.
The kernel is spamming error about ata or whatever that is, on "dev sda" with 0x0 and more. I might include logs soon

nukedefuser · 2024-09-07 16:56:36

Sorry for inactive, I have some family things, but anyway
I tried swapped out drive, re-seated, and even tried to plug to my PC's SATA to try and read

What happened next? The drive is still not readable, and SMART said fine, I think?
smartctl --xall /dev/sda: http://0x0.st/XwEV.txt

Pretty funny that:

SMART overall-health self-assessment test result: PASSED

And since the SSD is 'a bit' 'morphed' or idk how to explain, I've bought an USB to temporarily use it. As SSD prices here are expensive, so USB is only choice.

nukedefuser · 2024-09-07 16:59:44

In case this drive is hardware-damaged, or it reached to its 'final age', or it is impossible to fix, I will just close this topic, just in case.

Roken · 2024-09-08 12:31:10

My first option would be to try a different drive, especially if an external USB drive works OK. I don't know where you are, but if SSDs are expensive, you could try to pick up a cheap 2.5" spinner and see how that gets on.

Head_on_a_Stick · 2024-09-11 06:10:24

Live USB with persistence?

nukedefuser · 2024-09-12 04:45:19

Roken wrote:

My first option would be to try a different drive, especially if an external USB drive works OK. I don't know where you are, but if SSDs are expensive, you could try to pick up a cheap 2.5" spinner and see how that gets on.

works good, but UI is not responsive, even if I followed the Arch Linux Wiki - Improving Performance, but that seems doesn't improve. I decided to boot with my USB. And yep, that is faster.

Arch Linux

#1 2024-08-13 08:00:24