Is my problem with the Ubuntu disk or the hard drive or something else

I am writing on an old Toshiba Satellite. I just installed Ubuntu with no problem at all. That took care of a problem with Windows starting. I like Ubuntu better,
My only issue there is an aoying "system problem detected" thing that keeps coming up,

The installation on that laptop was relatively quick.

I also have an Acer Aspire 6930g,
This already had Ubuntu installed, but for about the fifth time Ubuntu failed. I know how to use gparted to find partitions and also how to use boot manager and so on. I also know how to use the code when grub fails.

My ongoing problem is that the keyboard lacks a "p" and a "y." I get around this by using Onboard. For some reason, I caot get a USB keyboard to work.

Recently this failed to start and of course, because it has a "p" in it I could not use the code needed to repair grub.

I have fixed the problem before by using boot repair and know gparted shows me the partitions.

Boot repair would not work. Gparted after leaving is for a long time, failed to show up any partition at all.

I concluded my only hope was to do a clean re-install.

The disk loads, eventually. I could, I suppose, just leave the disk in the laptop and ensure I back everything up after each session. I use this as a back up laptop. I just like the bigger screen and have got pretty used to my work around until I get the keys replaced (if I ever do,)

However, it would be nice to re-install Ubuntu. When I try, it hangs for ages on the first part where it says "preparing to reinstall Ubuntu." If I get as far as the bit where you choose the picture, it hangs there forever. I gave up on one effort to install, but did eventually get to where it looked like the installation had started, but then it failed.

Given I can obviously use the disk (an old 12.04) to install Ubuntu and upgrade in reasonable time on the Toshiba, is my hard disk the problem on the Acer?

Is that why every so often Ubuntu "breaks" on the Acer.

I caot think of another reason, but thought it was worth asking someone more technical than me.

(Just now, seeing that I have the Toshiba working I am leaving the Acer on with the disk in to see whatt happens. Currently it is hanging on "preparing to install" and has been for an hour or so.)

(Please do not tell me to bu any disk. I have never had any success. I will probably purchase a new ready bued one at some point in case the 12.04 has a nervous breakdown.)
(Please do not suggest I replace the Acer Keyboard. It is a back up I would like, but the cost would not justify doing it given I have the Toshiba working with a full keyboard.)
(code to repair grub without a "p" in it would be wonderful, but I am sure that is probably not possible.)