How to Fix "Code 1" error in Bazzite when trying to re-install

If you have installed Bazzite or another Fedora Atomic desktop before, removed the partition, and then tried to reinstall it, you have probably got the follow error: "The following error occured while installing the playload. This is a fatal error and the installation will be aborted - Code 1.". If so, this guide will take you through the steps to fix this specific problem. It's not complicated, though a little time consuming.

How to Fix "Code 1" error in Bazzite when trying to re-install

When the installer fails or gets stuck, showing Code 1, you need to switch to a terminal interface to fix the issue manually. It's a bit of work but nothing too complicated so let's get started.

• Press the following key combination:

• This takes you away from the graphical installer and into a terminal session where you can run commands directly.
• If you ever need to return to the installer interface, press:

• To switch between terminal sessions, you can also use:

• Once you are in the terminal, the first step is to identify your EFI partition. Run the following command:

• Look through the output for your disk partitions. You are specifically looking for the one labeled "EFI System". It is often something like:

• Your system may use a different naming scheme such as nvme0n1p1, so pay close attention to the label rather than just the name.

Creating a Mount Point

• Before mounting the EFI partition, you need a directory to mount it to. Create one with:

• This creates a folder called efi inside the /mnt directory. You can use a different name if you prefer, but this keeps things clear.
• Now mount the EFI partition using the following command:

• Replace /dev/sda1 with the correct partition if yours is different.

Removing the Problematic Fedora EFI Folder

• Change into the mounted EFI directory:

• List the contents:

• You will likely see folders such as:

The issue occurs because the fedora folder already exists from your previous installation. The installer attempts to create it again and fails.

• To fix the problem, remove the existing fedora folder:

Be careful with this command. Make sure you are in the correct directory before running it. This command permanently deletes the folder and its contents.

• After running it, confirm the result:

• You should now only see the boot folder or other non Fedora entries.

Unmounting and Rebooting

• Once the folder has been removed, unmount the partition:

• Again, replace the device name if yours is different.
• Now reboot the system so you can restart the installation:

• You may need to press the ESC key repeatedly to bring up the boot menu and select your installation media again.

Reinstalling the Atomic Desktop

• Boot back into your installer and proceed as normal. This time, the EFI error should no longer occur.
• If your previous installation attempt created leftover partitions, you may need to clean them up.
• During the disk setup phase:

  • Delete any leftover Fedora partitions such as fedora_fedora

  • Remove old ext4 boot partitions if they are no longer needed

  • Be careful not to delete any important partitions such as a Windows installation if you are dual booting

• Select the option to reclaim space once you have removed the unnecessary partitions.
• Continue through the installer:

  • Create a user account

  • Optionally disable the root account

  • Proceed with the standard installation steps

• Once the installation completes, reboot the system.