The installer encountered an error copying files to the hard disk

**psam3** · September 6th, 2009

This is the error message I am receiving while trying to install Ubuntu.

"The installer encountered and error copying files to the hard disk: [Errno 5] Input/output error.

This is often due to a faulty cd/dvd disk or drive, or a faulty hard disk."

I had already suspected a hardware failure(http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1259113), but this really narrows it down for me. The question now is how to determine whether it is the dvd drive or the hard drive? Is their anything in the bios which might give me a clue to which one is failing or any other way to find out?

Thanks in advance

psam3

**pedro3005** · September 6th, 2009

You could try installing ubuntu from a different media other than a CD. Try using a USB Stick ( https://help.ubuntu.com/community/In...n/FromUSBStick ) or maybe boot the ISO directly using grub2 ( http://michael-prokop.at/blog/2009/0...iso-via-grub2/ )

**Jazzy_Jeff** · September 6th, 2009

Are you using the Live cd or the alternate install cd? I always have problems intstalling with the Live cd. The alternate cd is text based but easy to follow.

**3rdalbum** · September 6th, 2009

Originally Posted by psam3

This is the error message I am receiving while trying to install Ubuntu.

"The installer encountered and error copying files to the hard disk: [Errno 5] Input/output error.

This is often due to a faulty cd/dvd disk or drive, or a faulty hard disk."

I had already suspected a hardware failure(http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1259113), but this really narrows it down for me. The question now is how to determine whether it is the dvd drive or the hard drive? Is their anything in the bios which might give me a clue to which one is failing or any other way to find out?

Thanks in advance

psam3

Have you tried the 'Check CD for defects' option in the CD's boot menu? This will tell you if the CD or CD drive is at fault.