USBs used to install Mint reusable? [SOLVED]

[cecilieaux]

Is there a way to make a USB used to install Linux Mint 20 reusable for other purposes? Or have I essentially given up that USB?

[Kadaitcha Man]

Is there a way to make a USB used to install Linux Mint 20 reusable for other purposes? Or have I essentially given up that USB?

Just like every other flash drive you've ever had, it is reusable.

[Webtest]

Blessings cecilieaux!

You have a LOT more posts than I do, but I thought I would point out to any newbies that see this thread that in the Mint Menu, if you click on "Control Center", in the "Administration" section you will find "gparted". That is the application for creating, changing, formatting, and even resizing all types of drives. It is always available in Mint systems. Just be very careful that you don't unintentionally mess up a drive you do NOT want to change.

Blessings in abundance, all the best,
Art in Carlisle PA USA

[bob466]

Is there a way to make a USB used to install Linux Mint 20 reusable for other purposes? Or have I essentially given up that USB?

Of cause it is...with Flash Drive plugged in...right click Flash Drive icon and choose Format and choose NTFS...simple.

[all41]

Here is how i treat misbehaving sticks including sticks that have contained a previous Linux installation:
This is best done by using your Mint installation dvd/usb to boot to the live desktop
Warning!--be positive that you can identify your usb (stick, flash, thumb)
If you are in doubt--do not proceed. Ask questions here.

1. Erase the boot sectors and partition table.
In a terminal copy/paste the following:

Code: Select all

sudo shred -s $((2048*512)) -vzn0 /dev/sdX

where sdX is the device--make double-triple sure this designation is correct.
This will erase everything on the stick including boot sectors and partition tables.
After this you will be able to recover your stick by following step 2 and 3

2. Make a new msdos partition table.
Open Gparted and locate that device. It should now show as "unallocated" under 'File system'
Right click and choose Unmount. Now click on 'Device' in the Gparted toolbar and choose 'Create a Partition Table'.
The default is msdos so just click 'Apply'.

3. Now create a new partition.
Click 'Partition' in the Gparted toolbar and choose New, then select the file system you need--
(new sticks normally come formatted as fat32).
Optional---type a name for the stick in the 'Label' field--this will be the name that appears under the icon on the
desktop and in the mount directory. (otherwise it will show some unrecognizable charachters)
Click 'Add'. The info in the lower window should now be correct.
Last thing is to click the right-most arrow in the Gparted icons toolbar to 'Apply all Operations'

Unplug the stick and reinsert. All should be peachy.

[Moem]

in the Mint Menu, if you click on "Control Center", in the "Administration" section you will find "gparted". That is the application for creating, changing, formatting, and even resizing all types of drives. It is always available in Mint systems.

No, it's not. It can be installed after installation of the system, and it's always present on the 'live' system (as running from a DVD or USBstick).
It is not preinstalled in the normal, installed Mint system. You've probably done that yourself.

PS a little less underlining would make your message easier to read.

[cliffcoggin]

Although you can restore the USB stick, should you? That installer can be a useful emergency repair tool for your Mint OS.

[Webtest]

Blessings Moem!

Good catch on "gparted" ... as it says in my byline on all of my posts, I only run a LiveMedia system from locked flash drives and it never crossed my mind that it might be missing from a 'normal' installed system. I always appreciate your gracious and thoughtful comments.

Blessings in abundance, all the best,
Art in Carlisle, PA USA

[David1293]

Hi all

Surely the easiest answer to this is in accessories- USB stick formatter?

Or am I being obtuse? More than possible...

Regards
D

[cecilieaux]

2. Make a new msdos partition table.
Open Gparted and locate that device. It should now show as "unallocated" under 'File system'
Right click and choose Unmount. Now click on 'Device' in the Gparted toolbar and choose 'Create a Partition Table'.
The default is msdos so just click 'Apply'.

3. Now create a new partition.
Click 'Partition' in the Gparted toolbar and choose New, then select the file system you need--
(new sticks normally come formatted as fat32).

Why MSDOS? I have also read NTFS. Why not EXT4? (it was originally "fuse" which is way beyond my comprehension).

[cecilieaux]

Although you can restore the USB stick, should you? That installer can be a useful emergency repair tool for your Mint OS.

Actually, it didn't work as an installer. I had to go burn a DVD for the install to work.

[cecilieaux]

Used Gparted and it worked. Thanks, all!

[all41]

2. Make a new msdos partition table.
Open Gparted and locate that device. It should now show as "unallocated" under 'File system'
Right click and choose Unmount. Now click on 'Device' in the Gparted toolbar and choose 'Create a Partition Table'.
The default is msdos so just click 'Apply'.

3. Now create a new partition.
Click 'Partition' in the Gparted toolbar and choose New, then select the file system you need--
(new sticks normally come formatted as fat32).

Why MSDOS? I have also read NTFS. Why not EXT4? (it was originally "fuse" which is way beyond my comprehension).

A partition table is not a partition file system--basically a directory of where partitions are located on the device.
Those partition's can be ext, ntfs, fat, or other file systems. Even a combination.

Mostly partition tables now in common Linux use would be msdos or gpt. I would think there is little
reason to use other than msdos tables for flash drives.