How to Troubleshoot Installation Issues in Debian 12 Bookworm

Debian 12 “Bookworm” is a stable and robust Linux distribution, but installation issues can sometimes arise due to hardware compatibility, boot configuration, or software conflicts. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common installation problems step by step.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before troubleshooting, ensure:

• You have downloaded the correct Debian 12 ISO image.
• Your bootable media (USB/DVD) was created properly.
• Your system meets the minimum hardware requirements.
• Secure Boot is disabled (if applicable).

Common Installation Issues and Fixes

1. System Fails to Boot from Installation Media

Symptoms

• Black screen or system freezes during boot.
• “No bootable device found” error.

Solutions

• Check Boot Order: Ensure the USB or DVD drive is prioritized in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Recreate Bootable Media: Use tools like Rufus (Windows) or dd (Linux) to create a bootable USB correctly.
• Try a Different USB Port or Drive: Some ports may not support booting.
• Disable Secure Boot: Secure Boot can prevent unsigned OS booting. Disable it in BIOS settings.

2. “Missing Firmware” Error During Installation

Symptoms

• Installer prompts for missing non-free firmware.
• Network devices (Wi-Fi, Ethernet) are not detected.

Solutions

• Use a Non-Free Firmware ISO: Debian provides installation images that include proprietary firmware.
• Manually Load Firmware: Download missing firmware from Debian’s official repository, place it on a USB drive, and provide it when prompted.
• Try a Wired Connection: If Wi-Fi is not working, use Ethernet if available.

3. Partitioning Issues

Symptoms

• Installer fails to recognize the disk.
• Errors occur while partitioning.

Solutions

• Use Manual Partitioning: Instead of automatic partitioning, manually create partitions.
• Check Disk Health: Use smartctl or fsck to verify disk integrity.
• Use GParted (Live USB): Format and partition the disk before running the installer.

4. Installation Freezes or Crashes

Symptoms

• Installation stops at a certain step.
• System crashes during setup.

Solutions

• Use Safe Graphics Mode: Some GPUs may cause issues. Boot with nomodeset option.
• Try a Different Installation Method: If graphical installer fails, use text mode.
• Check Installation Media Integrity: Corrupt ISO files can cause failures. Verify checksums before use.

5. GRUB Bootloader Installation Failure

Symptoms

• System doesn’t boot after installation.
• “GRUB rescue” prompt appears.

Solutions

• Install GRUB Manually: Boot from a Debian live USB and reinstall GRUB:

  sudo mount /dev/sdX /mnt  # Replace sdX with root partition
  sudo grub-install --boot-directory=/mnt/boot /dev/sdX
  

• Try Boot-Repair Tool: A graphical tool available in Debian live sessions can automatically fix boot issues.

6. Network Not Working Post-Installation

Symptoms

• No internet connection after installation.
• Wi-Fi adapter not detected.

Solutions

• Install Missing Firmware: Some network drivers require proprietary firmware. Install them manually:

  sudo apt install firmware-linux-nonfree
  

• Enable and Restart Network Services:

  sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
  

7. Slow Boot Time or System Instability

Symptoms

• Long delays during boot.
• System crashes frequently.

Solutions

• Check Boot Logs: Use journalctl -b to inspect boot messages for errors.

• Disable Unnecessary Services: Reduce boot time by disabling unwanted services:

  sudo systemctl disable service_name
  

• Update System: Ensure all packages are up to date:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  

Final Recommendations

• Always update Debian after installation to get the latest fixes.
• Keep backups of important data before troubleshooting.
• Join Debian forums or check official documentation for advanced troubleshooting.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve most installation issues and ensure a smooth Debian 12 setup.