arch linux install: lspci call hangs

Question

I am attempting to dual-boot Arch Linux (archlinux-2018.02.01-x86_64.iso & archlinux-2018.03.01-x86_64.iso) on a machine (ASUS B071ZL3996) that has Windows pre-installed. I have been battling the lack of a network connection throughout the install (I can connect via wired and wireless connections on the Windows side). While troubleshooting, I tried to inspect the network card with lspci. Each time I call it, however, it hangs the install. Specifically, it returns the following error:

xhci host controller not responding, assume dead

I am not quite sure what to make of this, since it seems to be related to USB errors (based upon what I have seen), but it only occurs for lspci calls. Anyone come across this before?

Answer 1

Try blacklisting nouveau before booting; it's the death of any install on laptops that use an NVIDIA Optimus setup, which this looks like it might be.

Hit e before choosing Arch from the ISO boot menu and add modprobe.blacklist=nouveau to the kernel parameters.