redhat exam is not booting

[Tabrez94]

i have tried to do compatibility test on my new ThinkPad (core ultra 7 processor)e16 gen 3 laptop... after iso is loaded into memory... redhat ui is opening with popup "something went wrong please contact support"

secure boot is disabled...tpm is disabled...kernel dma protection is disabled....intel vT-d disabled.... 

have tried switching usp ports...can someone help...refer attached boot log picture 

[Priyanshu20041]

@Tabrez94 
This is a known compatibility issue on new Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) platforms like the ThinkPad E16 Gen 3.

Since Secure Boot, TPM, VT-d, and DMA protection are already disabled, the failure is most likely due to graphics driver initialization in the fixed RHEL exam environment, which cannot be updated and may not fully support newer iGPU firmware.

Recommended actions:

• Boot using basic graphics (nomodeset).

• If available, select Troubleshooting → Install with basic graphics.

• Set BIOS to UEFI-only (disable CSM/Legacy).

• Try a USB 2.0 port specifically.

• Switch graphics mode to Integrated-only if the BIOS allows.

If the issue persists, the system is likely not supported for Red Hat exams. Red Hat exams require hardware from the official compatibility list, as the exam image cannot be modified.

TL DR: New Intel Core Ultra laptops may not be compatible with the RHEL exam image—use basic graphics or supported hardware.

[Tabrez94]

thanks for reply... does that mean new ultra core processor will not support this iso...also when i try to edit grub parameters if is asking for username and password...just entering enter does.not work neither does my redhat credentials...how to edit grub for nomodeset workaround....can redhat in future support ultra processors

[Priyanshu20041]

You’re welcome! Yes, currently new Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) processors may not be fully compatible with the fixed RHEL exam ISO, mainly due to graphics and firmware support.

Regarding GRUB: the exam environment locks GRUB with a password for security, so your usual Red Hat credentials or pressing Enter won’t work. Unfortunately, this means you cannot manually edit boot parameters like nomodeset in the exam image.

As for future support, it’s likely that Red Hat will add support for newer platforms over time, but the exact timeline depends on kernel and driver updates. For now, using officially supported hardware is the safest way to avoid boot issues in exams.

TL;DR: Ultra Core processors may not boot the current RHEL exam ISO; GRUB is password-protected, so manual workarounds aren’t possible—use supported hardware or wait for future updates.