HELP NEEDED Installing Proxmox VE 8.4 from USB on a new build that is hanging the system

Polos123

New Member
Apr 20, 2025
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Hi, I am a complete newbie who has finally tried to take the plunge into the world of servers. I am an instrument engineer but am completely new to this, so don't expect me to speak any jargon. I do want to build my knowledge, hence this step.
I have a Win 11 OS PC, with the OS on an M.2. drive. So far I have created a bootable Proxmox ISO USB using Rufus, and Ventoy. I have used two separate USB drives and all the USB ports so far. I have also downloaded the Proxmox ISO a number of times to ensure no corruption. I've changed the BIOS boot sequence to read the USB first, and the machine loads the USB, and I get the Install Option page fine. Then When I select the GUI option, text appears for a few seconds and then it always gets to a set of text and stops the install. I cannot type anything and have to hard reset.
I have tried taking the Win 11 OS M.2 drive out with only a Crucial SSD in the machine. The same result.
I have disabled 'Safe Boot' in BIOS. Same result.
I have tried numerous USB thumb drives using various formatting tools, like Rufus, and Ventoy. Same Result.
I have done a memory test and all reports PASS.
I have been on to this for a few days, checked every forum entry I think might help, and tried their solutions. Nothing is working. No website search can help. AI queries can't even sort this out.
As I said, I am completely new to networking and server setup and use, and was really hoping to at least get a server installed so I can start my learning, but I cannot even get to the starter blocks.
I don't like wasting people's time, but I really am at the end of my tether on this one now.
I have attached the final lines before the machine freezes. I am setting the server in the my front room so the display is my 55icnh tv.
Can anyone please HELP....I rarely reach out, but this time I am completely stumped.
 

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Hi,

you do not mention what kind of hardware exactly you are trying to install on, but the installer tries to load the nvidiafb driver - so you got a Nvidia card installed?

In any case, this is known to cause problems like this. Try adding the nomodeset parameter to the kernel commandline, that usually helps: https://pve.proxmox.com/pve-docs/pve-admin-guide.html#nomodeset_kernel_param
 
Thank you. Thank you for getting back so quickly too. I followed your instructions and it is currently sorting the SSD out. It is in DOS style, asking for password set up etc. When I tried to set Proxmox up on a windows pc, it was in the GUI format. Is this still ok?
Yes I do have an Nvidia card installed.
I will wait for the SSD to partition and get back. I would never have known how to enter the console to edit.
 
It is in DOS style, asking for password set up etc. When I tried to set Proxmox up on a windows pc, it was in the GUI format. Is this still ok?
Yes, that's our alternative TUI/Console installer. It was primarily designed for situation such as this, where only simpler/reduced graphics (resolutions) are available due to missing/faulty/etc. drivers.

Functionality-wise, both installers are exactly the same, just look a bit different :)