Wanting to install Ubuntu onto an Elitebook that has no operating system

[Kathryn4]

Ive just bought an ex lease Elitebook, without an operating system. I had the HDD replaced with an SSD.

I've downloaded Ubuntu to a USB stick. The Ubuntu help page suggests pressing the f12 key, but nothing happens.

I don't know how to install the programme. Any help much appreciated.

The notebook says 'BootDevice Not Found'

Please install an operating system on your hard disk. 

[IT_WinSec · Accepted solution]

Hi @Kathryn4

Welcome to the HP Support forum. Thank you for choosing HP.

The Ubuntu instructions are generic and may not be valid for all PCs.

Here is what you need to do.

Download Ubuntu desktop - x64 edition and write it on a USB stick. Do not just copy/paste the ISO image but write and make the USB pendrive a bootable device. If you do not know how to do it, here are instructions

x64 - 64bit version

Save the ISO

When ready, you need to create bootable DVD drive or bootable USB drive  (use new blank DVD or empty USB drive)

* How to create bootable ISO on USB device on Windows >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows

* How to create a bootable ISO on USB device from another Ubuntu >> https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-ubuntu

When ready with the USB drive or with the DVD:

* Ensure Secure Boot is disabled.

* Ensure Legacy mode is enabled.

* Save the UEFI/BIOS changes.

Details>> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03653226

Note that BY DEFAULT the Secure boot should be disabled and Legacy mode should be enabled - on the Elitebook notebooks.

Eventually, please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Ubuntu USB thumdrive prepared previously

Power on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, keep hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu

Choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the thumb drive as the boot option.

Follow the on-screen instructions to boot from the Ubuntu device and install it.

Hope this helps

Something else:

You can try both Ubuntu 16.04.1 LTS or 14.04 LTS - on my HP computers 14.04 versions work better - specifically kernel 3.19 or 4.2 If you experience some issues, you may decide to swith the versions and updare kernels manually. Tux greetings 🙂

[Kathryn4]

Thanks for your prompt and pertinent advice. The new computer is now up and running : )

[IT_WinSec]

You are most welcome, glad you made it 🙂 Enjoy your computer