"Unknown error" with attempts to install various Linux distros

I've got a number of second-hand laptops, each with a different Linux distro installed. Recently I picked up an HP Stream 11 2 GB RAM (I know, they're rubbish, but I've got another and it's perfectly fine for lightweight duty).  Sold as 'no OS' so somehow Windows was wiped off. I can use Linux distros as 'live' from the USB, but when I try to install I get 'An Unknown error has occurred."  Under 'More details' the error message starts with 'anaconda 36.16.5 exception report...' which strikes me as odd......