I have been trying this for a number of days now. I want to install Ubuntu alongside Windows 8
I know it works on the XPS 12 (www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FWzqXYc8cc).
I have downloaded the ISO file (ubuntu-13.04-desktop-amd64.iso).
I have checked the downloaded ISO file integrity using MD5Sum
I have created a live USB (16 GB Make PNY) in Windows8 using PendriveLinux (pendrivelinux.com)
I am not very clear on disk partitions, but I have checked the system drive and it is apparently already divided into different partitions with a primary partition C: where I believe Window8 resides. (Shall I resize the Windows8 C: partition?)
The system BIOS is set with the following relevant Boot parameters:
BIOS Settings (BIOS version A06 product XPS12 9Q23)
Boot:
Add Boot Options: Auto; Windows8 Fast Booth: Disabled; UEFI BOOT: EFI USB1 Path2 (unspecified)
Windows Boot Manager (); Secure Boot: Disabled; Boot List Option:UEFI; Secure Boot Mode: Custom; Fast Boot: Disabled; Load legacy Option Rom: Disabled.
When I attempt the installation I get as far as the GRUB Menu:
Whatever choice I make (Try Ubuntu without installation or Install Ubuntu and the screen goes black.
I can see the USB being accessed, as the led is flashing and I know the system is running in some capacity as the keyboard back-light is on, but without screen image there is very little that I can do.
A similar issues has been raised in this forum: (Installation stops at a black screen on a Dell XPS 15z) and suggestions are made to add acpi=noirq to the kernel parameters. I am not sure about doing that and what it means, although I am able to access the parameters and in any case they are dealing with a different system.
I am patiently persevering.
Thank you for the help.