I am trying to install Debian 9, to one of my laptops, that I have never got to boot into 64 bit.
However I did switch the kernel to 64bit. I then used multi-arch to install 64bit virtual-box (this has to match the kernel), and some other 64 bit packages.
I suspect it is 32bit grub, and 64bit kernel.
Unfortunately this has left user land as, mostly, 32bit. I want it all 64bit, but to be able to boot, and install.
It seems that I could replace all apps with 64bit, and then remove all 32bit.
I would like to install 64bit directly, without having to do it twice, install 32bit, then replace with 64bit.
Could anyone tell me what installation media to use, and any special procedure.
Seems related 32bit EFI with 64 bit linux OS. Can it be done?
Laptop is Acer Aspire 5338
Best Answer
I have just installed debian-9.1.0-amd64-i386-netinst without trouble. I chose options: amd64, and custom install, however I did not do anything clever with custom install (just manual partition set up, to use existing partitions, and only install base+kde+sshd).
On the grub set up I chose fall back to install to removable media path (may have not quoted that 100% correct). It has something to do with fixing a bug in some EFI boot-loader firmware. (It may not have been needed, but the internet says it is safe if you don't have another OS installed). [If booting does not work for you, then you can reinstall Grub from rescue-mode. And experiment]
I did no experimenting, it just worked first time.