Installation error: Executing ’grub-install /dev/mmcblk0p4’ failed

Installing Zorin OS
#1

(To anyone recognizing me, yes, hi, I’m back with another “weird“ device, apologies)

Greetings.
I’m trying to install Zorin OS 16 Core (no dual-boot) on an Acer Switch 3 (SW312-31-P4UV) 2in1. The “Try Zorin“ runs perfectly, as does the installer. However, at the very end of the installer, I’m always left with this error (and no Zorin):

PXL_20211207_130955121
PXL_20211207_1309551211920×2560 458 KB

Specs
Intel Pentium N4200 Quad-Core (Apollo Lake)
4 GB RAM
64 GB eMMC (all free space)
64-bit OS

Settings
Security boot - disabled
UEFI, GPT
Sata mode - AHCI
TPM - disabled
(no legacy option available)
Checksum is correct
Live CD (32 GB USB) flashed with Rufus (GPT-UEFI option)

Tried all of the installation options. Possibly “Erase disk and install Zorin“ messed something up, but I’m not sure.

Should the installer work from a specs-point-of-view? Everything other than the missing grub is running buttery smooth!
Is eMMC the problem? What if I’d use an external HDD/SSD?
Is there any way I can please just throw the grubx64.efi at the installer?

I’ve scoured the web but couldn’t solve this. Grateful for any and all ideas.

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#2

I have exactly the same machine!
And I had exactly the same error message.
I struggled for about 2 days and I gave up.

I hope other volunteers have a better idea than myself.

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#3

Oh boy! Was not expecting that.
At the very least I’m/you’re not alone then.

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#4

Misery loves company :heart:

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#5

Come to think about of it, RAID might work for eMMC.

I cannot test it myself since that machine is now used as a digital score display by my husband (professional musician).

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#6

Interesting. But, of course, doesn’t look like it can be changed in this case:

PXL_20211207_175936548
PXL_20211207_1759365481920×1440 193 KB

Ha! Getting some good use out of it.

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#7

:sob:
We are doomed...

All his co-workers are using iPad.
In spite of being a former Mac user, he is refusing to go back to Apple eco system :slight_smile:

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#8

That's nVME.
In you BIOS, have you tried setting it to RAID, then installing?

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#9

See his photo above.
We cannot change it in BIOS :crying_cat_face:

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#10

Ah, I see that, now. What happens if the user hits ctrl+s on that tab in the BIOS?

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#11

?
Sandisk DF4064
It is eMMC.

#12

I was about to ask why you posted this, then looked at my post.

I said left when I meant right.
MMC Multi-Media-Card... In my head I was thinking about how nvme is different from mmc, and typed nvme while my brain was thinking it but trying to type emmc. I do this vocally, sometimes, too...

Also - boot repair may do the trick.

1 Like
#13

Been there done that :frowning:
Did not work - at least in my setup.

Strange thing was that Ubuntu (that what I tried at that time) live USB worked flawlessly.
It is this inability of installing grub which was the show stopper.

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#14

I had it happen to me once. I needed to just close out the installer, then run LiveUSB, mount the drive, then install grub manually in that instance. It worked... But I do not remember all the steps so I prefer to find a good guide online (which I had found at that time...) if that is a needed route to try.

Looking this up online, some users say boot repair fixed it for them.

1 Like
#15

CPU -> N4200
I hope this is not that chimera monster again.... :zombie: :woman_zombie:

#16

I Love it when someone puts that amount of info in their post!

Hats off to you .... wish more would follow your example. It helps other identify common issues and assists with resolves.

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#17

Yup, boot repair sadly didn't work for me either.

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#18

I've installed Linux on all computers I could get my hands on. Even on pre-Intel iBook. But this Switch 3 - I had to admit my defeat....

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#19

That will haunt me forever, gonna check three times before all future purchases.

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#20

Did you know this page?

2 Likes