Dear all,
since I was asked to repeat my question in the HP Business Forum, I would like to kindly ask you here for some help:
https://h30492.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Betriebssysteme-und-Software/Elitebook-745-G5-Ryzen-5-Linux-does-not-boot/m-p/537942#M64784
I recently I bought an Elitebook 745 G5 with a Ryzen 5 2500U and FreeDOS configuration, but unfortunately I can not get this Laptop to boot any contemporary Linux distribution. I modified the Laptop and replaced the 250 GB SSD with a 500 GB Samsung 970 EVO, but I would assume that this is not the cause of the problem, since other people already reported similar problems like the ones I am facing:
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/Linux-installation-on-HP-EliteB...
https://forum.ubook.at/thread/3954-hp-elitebook-745-und-linux/?postID=36122#post36122
So basically, I can only install and boot Debian 9.5 stable, which contains an outdated Linux kernel which does not recognize the Vega graphics chip (and other components). Debian testing (Buster release) with a newer kernel would alleviate the problem, but as soon as I navigate through its installer's menu the process freezes. Same thing applies to the installer of Manjaro Linux, which does not even boot into its live system.
I tried to circumvent the problem by the proposed downgrading fix (from 01.03.01 Rev.A down to 01.00.04 Rev.A), but I still end up with frozen installer menues. I played around with the Secure Boot and UEFI options, which would not help either (disabling Secure Boot and enabling UEFI). Basically I used the same Bios settings (factory default) to install Debian 9.5 and the other distributions - Debian 9.5 worked and the others did not.
It would be nice to provide a firmware update, which fixes these issues (in a more reproducible way, since 1 out of 10 successful boots as stated by the previous fix is not acceptable). Obviously it is a widespread problem, which in my case prevents me from using the Laptop in any productive way. Can you please inform me (and the others) about any intended upcoming upgrades, else I would see myself urged to return the device since it is not usable. Frankly speaking, I think the layout of the Laptop is well considered and it would be a pity to actually be forced to return the device.
Thank you for your assistance and best regards!
Hannes