I'm a longtime arch user and have been using linux for over 20 years, but this one has me a little stumped. I created a bootable USB using etcher in an Arch installation, all was reported well. Image is the i3 one as I am installing on an older laptop and would like the low memory usage. This machine boots arch by default, and has a Pop_OS installation, both of which boot. I've disable secure boot and it defaults to UEFI. This is a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2nd gen I think). So, boot menu comes up, options are:
GRUB
Syslinux
Syslinux
Pop_OS!
Grub boots the arch installation. Pop_OS boot that fine. The other two options produce a flash on the screen and then return to the menu. So I can't seem to book the live USB.
Note: The steps listed below are for the example BIOS only; your computer’s BIOS may be slightly different.
2. To change which device to boot from first, follow the directions on the BIOS setup utility screen to change the boot order.
3. In this example the boot order can be changed using the + and - keys. Remember, your BIOS may have different instructions.
4. By using the + and - keys the example changes the CD-ROM Drive to the top of the Boot Order**.**
5. Using F10, Save and Exit, saves all actions and exits, or navigate to the Exit tab and save changes.
Note:USB drive does not appear as an option in the list, even though the computer has USB ports. If a USB device is connected to the computer before starting the computer and accessing this screen, the USB drive option will show in the list. Some computers display the USB drive option even when a drive is not connected.
According to that, the USB drive needs to be connected when you enter the BIOS menu, then you can go to the boot options and push it to the first item in the boot order. Then save and exit, and it should boot to Ventoy.
The UEFI/Legacy boot item allows UEFI only, Legacy only, or Both options. Suffice it to say I've tried all configurations. I also tried a different USB. So I'm a bit stumped.
If you really cannot make it with the USB, since you have GRUB for Arch, you could add a menu entry for the ISO file in your /boot/grub/custom.cfg taking the cue from this (I’ve learned this trick from @SGS and I must say it’s very handy ):
In Ventoy, if GPT doesn't work, try MBR. If it still doesn't work with MBR, enable CSM in BIOS and try again. Enabling CSM doesn't explicitly disable the ability to go UEFI, but it can make some boot devices viable. Another [not great] option is Rufus on WIndows (try GPT first!). You can choose advanced options, and select 'add fixes for old BIOSes (extra partition, align, etc.)'.
What are the options for 'boot mode' that is currently set to 'diagnostics'? Have you confirmed the BIOS is up to date? What about the result of sudo efibootmgr per BluishHumility?
Thanks @BluishHumaity for the efibootmgr suggestion. I had the GRUB set as the first thing to boot. Changed it to USB HDD and all booted fine.
I installed into an existing partition, now trying to figure out how to get Garuda into the GRUB menu, but that should be a different post. But does the btrfs mess with GRUB?
Thanks again everyone, great community, looking forward to using Garuda.