Clean and reuse USB(Solved)
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There are no such things as "stupid" questions. However if you think your question is a bit stupid, then this is the right place for you to post it. Stick to easy to-the-point questions that you feel people can answer fast. For long and complicated questions use the other forums in the support section.
Before you post read how to get help. Topics in this forum are automatically closed 6 months after creation.
Clean and reuse USB(Solved)
I am posting here in hopes of quickly getting a simple answer to my question (I tried asking “format a USB stick” and got 119 pages of answers, “reuse old USB” got 44 pages).
For you who don’t remember me, I am 75 years old and have virtually no memory. Sometime over the years I tried Linux and since then, abandoned Windows. I have a few computers in different parts of my home, and intend to get another used computer soon.
I have an old 8GB USB stick that I used years ago to load something onto a computer. I assume that I'll have to remove the old stuff before I can reuse it.
So, is my 8GB USB stick enough to download Mint 20.2 “UMA”?
How do I clean it? (Or reformat it, or whatever the proper term is). I found instructions on a website that told me to open Terminal and enter “sudo fdisk /dev/sdu” (or something very close to that?), which didn’t work at all.
If there is a place for someone like me to get the information about cleaning my USB stick, that would be greatly appreciated. If the information is among “119 pages”, perhaps you could tell me what page to explore?
If I am to use something like the “Terminal”, is there something I must do to be sure that I am formatting my USB stick and not my hard drive?
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
BoDill
For you who don’t remember me, I am 75 years old and have virtually no memory. Sometime over the years I tried Linux and since then, abandoned Windows. I have a few computers in different parts of my home, and intend to get another used computer soon.
I have an old 8GB USB stick that I used years ago to load something onto a computer. I assume that I'll have to remove the old stuff before I can reuse it.
So, is my 8GB USB stick enough to download Mint 20.2 “UMA”?
How do I clean it? (Or reformat it, or whatever the proper term is). I found instructions on a website that told me to open Terminal and enter “sudo fdisk /dev/sdu” (or something very close to that?), which didn’t work at all.
If there is a place for someone like me to get the information about cleaning my USB stick, that would be greatly appreciated. If the information is among “119 pages”, perhaps you could tell me what page to explore?
If I am to use something like the “Terminal”, is there something I must do to be sure that I am formatting my USB stick and not my hard drive?
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
BoDill
Last edited by LockBot on Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:16 am, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: Topic automatically closed 6 months after creation. New replies are no longer allowed.
Reason: Topic automatically closed 6 months after creation. New replies are no longer allowed.
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Re: Clean and reuse USB
Yes...plenty..I think even a 4GB usb thumb drive is big enoughSo, is my 8GB USB stick enough to download Mint 20.2 “UMA”?
I've always used "Usb Stick Formatter" found in a Cinnamon menu simple search or used either Disks ( aka Gnome-disks) gui application ..OR gparted depending on if it tried to give me crap about formatting it. One of those always worked in the end.How do I clean it? (Or reformat it, or whatever the proper term is). I found instructions on a website that told me to open Terminal and enter “sudo fdisk /dev/sdu” (or something very close to that?), which didn’t work at all.
Just remember to pay close attention to which drive you're doing the formatting on be it terminal OR a gui application
When in doubt, don't be afraid to click that X to close that window or back space or back arrow button ( whichever is most applicable) to not go forward. Better to delay than to nuke precious data on the wrong drive. I've been there. Not pretty.
I found this to be reasonably simple to understand yet covers two gui methods and the terminal method ( at least the only one I've found that seems reasonable and simple enough to better ensure you don't nuke the wrong drive by accident)
https://phoenixnap.com/kb/linux-format-usb
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three 4TB ssds
dual 1TB ssds
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24GB amd 7900xtx vid card
Viewsonic Elite UHD 32" 144hz monitor
Re: Clean and reuse USB
You can do it through a terminal but there is also a GUI for idiots like me as well..
Enter your USB into the computer & open up Nemo File Manager.
On the left hand screen you should see your USB drive listed under devices..
Right mouse click on the USB & select Format from the drop down menu
A pop up box will appear.
You can adjust the Format type from the default of FAT32 by using the drop down arrow- I think that NTFS is probably best for your 8GB USB
You can also alter the default Volume Label to something more suitable for your uses.
Press Format & it is quickly done..
Enter your USB into the computer & open up Nemo File Manager.
On the left hand screen you should see your USB drive listed under devices..
Right mouse click on the USB & select Format from the drop down menu
A pop up box will appear.
You can adjust the Format type from the default of FAT32 by using the drop down arrow- I think that NTFS is probably best for your 8GB USB
You can also alter the default Volume Label to something more suitable for your uses.
Press Format & it is quickly done..
Re: Clean and reuse USB
... but note that you don't in fact need to format it if you're immediately going to overwrite it again anyway with a Mint .iso. I.e, you can use USB Image Writer immediately (which is also installed by default on Mint).
- Lady Fitzgerald
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Re: Clean and reuse USB
Another vote for USB Stick Formatter. It's always worked for me and is easy to use (a huge plus for this flatulent geriatric).
Edit: BTW, if you are wanting to put a new ISO on it, just use USB Image Writer without bothering to format it first.
Edit: BTW, if you are wanting to put a new ISO on it, just use USB Image Writer without bothering to format it first.
Last edited by Lady Fitzgerald on Sat Sep 18, 2021 11:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeannie
To ensure the safety of your data, you have to be proactive, not reactive, so, back it up!
To ensure the safety of your data, you have to be proactive, not reactive, so, back it up!
- RollyShed
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Re: Clean and reuse USB
It appears you want to burn a new .iso to an already used USB stick?
I did it a couple of days ago. The stick already had an old mint .iso on it BUT.
I simply burnt the .iso I wanted on to the stick, no questions. It then worked as I wanted it to, no wiping of the stick first.
Been there, done that.
I did it a couple of days ago. The stick already had an old mint .iso on it BUT.
I simply burnt the .iso I wanted on to the stick, no questions. It then worked as I wanted it to, no wiping of the stick first.
Been there, done that.
Re: Clean and reuse USB
As already mentioned you don't need to reformat the stick if you intend to use it for a "boot stick" again.
If. in the future you do want to use it for regular "storage" you will then need to reformat it, and also remove the boot flag, then you can use Gparted or cfdisk.
If. in the future you do want to use it for regular "storage" you will then need to reformat it, and also remove the boot flag, then you can use Gparted or cfdisk.
Mint 20.0, and 21.0 MATE on Thinkpads, 3 X T420, T450, T470, and X200
- Lady Fitzgerald
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Re: Clean and reuse USB
Sonuvagun, you're right. Learn something new everyday.
Jeannie
To ensure the safety of your data, you have to be proactive, not reactive, so, back it up!
To ensure the safety of your data, you have to be proactive, not reactive, so, back it up!
- RollyShed
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Re: Clean and reuse USB
Lady Fitzgerald wrote: ⤴Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:44 pm Sonuvagun, you're right. Learn something new everyday.
I think I read it on this forum so this is a "the forum at work" thing. Us grey haired passing on to other grey haired?
- Lady Fitzgerald
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Re: Clean and reuse USB
I do NOT have grey hair. I work hard to hide it!RollyShed wrote: ⤴Mon Sep 20, 2021 1:21 amLady Fitzgerald wrote: ⤴Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:44 pm Sonuvagun, you're right. Learn something new everyday.
I think I read it on this forum so this is a "the forum at work" thing. Us grey haired passing on to other grey haired?
Jeannie
To ensure the safety of your data, you have to be proactive, not reactive, so, back it up!
To ensure the safety of your data, you have to be proactive, not reactive, so, back it up!
Re: Clean and reuse USB
I guess your Avatar was taken a while ago, because you have gray hair there
- Lady Fitzgerald
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- Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2020 3:12 pm
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Re: Clean and reuse USB
Darn, you weren't supposed to look at that.
Jeannie
To ensure the safety of your data, you have to be proactive, not reactive, so, back it up!
To ensure the safety of your data, you have to be proactive, not reactive, so, back it up!
Re: Clean and reuse USB
To All,
Since I posted this two days ago, I have not tried any of the proposed solutions yet, for reasons too complicated to explain (I own my own business, etc. etc).
I just wanted you all to know that I fully appreciate your time and support, and when I DO get to fixing my situation, I will post anything of value that I learn, and try to put it in the simplest terms for the benefit of others who, like myself, are not computer literate.
As usual, thank you for your time and attention......
BoDill
Since I posted this two days ago, I have not tried any of the proposed solutions yet, for reasons too complicated to explain (I own my own business, etc. etc).
I just wanted you all to know that I fully appreciate your time and support, and when I DO get to fixing my situation, I will post anything of value that I learn, and try to put it in the simplest terms for the benefit of others who, like myself, are not computer literate.
As usual, thank you for your time and attention......
BoDill
Desktop: OptiPlex-790 ; Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia Mate (Renew 2027)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Re: Clean and reuse USB
To All,
The computer to which I was going to use a stick to load Mint 20.2 is back at the shop where I bought it. It turned out to be a VERY flawed machine. Among other things, the battery was down to "8%" and would not take a recharge. It took it back to the dealer who I bought it from, and he apologized and promised me a different and better computer.
If and when this gets straightened out, I still plan to put Mint 20.2 on a stick for this upcoming computer and others. Again, I will let you know what I learn...
BoDill
The computer to which I was going to use a stick to load Mint 20.2 is back at the shop where I bought it. It turned out to be a VERY flawed machine. Among other things, the battery was down to "8%" and would not take a recharge. It took it back to the dealer who I bought it from, and he apologized and promised me a different and better computer.
If and when this gets straightened out, I still plan to put Mint 20.2 on a stick for this upcoming computer and others. Again, I will let you know what I learn...
BoDill
Desktop: OptiPlex-790 ; Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia Mate (Renew 2027)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
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Re: Clean and reuse USB
It's so simple.
Re: Clean and reuse USB
To All,
I have not added to this post since September 23 because the computer in question is not yet available. This is a small town with only a couple of people who service computers, and only one who will supply me with a used one. I expect him to take awhile, so I am OK with the delays, but I don't want you to think that I have forgotten about this post.
As I said before, anything that I learn from this, I intend to report here in terms that a novice like myself can understand.
Thank you for your time, help, and patience.
BoDill
I have not added to this post since September 23 because the computer in question is not yet available. This is a small town with only a couple of people who service computers, and only one who will supply me with a used one. I expect him to take awhile, so I am OK with the delays, but I don't want you to think that I have forgotten about this post.
As I said before, anything that I learn from this, I intend to report here in terms that a novice like myself can understand.
Thank you for your time, help, and patience.
BoDill
Desktop: OptiPlex-790 ; Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia Mate (Renew 2027)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Re: Clean and reuse USB
To All,
First, thank you!!
Below is a link to a website that explains how to clean and reuse a USB stick.
https://phoenixnap.com/kb/linux-format-usb
Since I am not at all good with computer stuff, I highly recommend this site for someone like me. It gives step by step instructions in clear language.
I hope this helps someone like me.......
BoDill
First, thank you!!
Below is a link to a website that explains how to clean and reuse a USB stick.
https://phoenixnap.com/kb/linux-format-usb
Since I am not at all good with computer stuff, I highly recommend this site for someone like me. It gives step by step instructions in clear language.
I hope this helps someone like me.......
BoDill
Desktop: OptiPlex-790 ; Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia Mate (Renew 2027)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Re: Clean and reuse USB
That's great that you found a helpful set of instructions.
Now I'm just wondering whether you missed all the folks on this thread telling you that you don't actually need to clean the USB stick in any way, if you're going to use it for installing Mint (or any other OS)?
It's helpful to know how to format a USB stick*. But in this case, no such action is needed.
* This is my method:
1) Open file manager
2) Insert USB stick in computer
3) See the USB stick show up in the file manager
4) Rightclick it
5) Choose 'Format'
Now I'm just wondering whether you missed all the folks on this thread telling you that you don't actually need to clean the USB stick in any way, if you're going to use it for installing Mint (or any other OS)?
It's helpful to know how to format a USB stick*. But in this case, no such action is needed.
* This is my method:
1) Open file manager
2) Insert USB stick in computer
3) See the USB stick show up in the file manager
4) Rightclick it
5) Choose 'Format'
If your issue is solved, kindly indicate that by editing the first post in the topic, and adding [SOLVED] to the title. Thanks!
Re: Clean and reuse USB
To Moem,
I am embarrassed to tell you this, but I haven't figured out how "Open file manager" yet. This something that I have looked for before, and have not found a simple answer. I have found a few things that indicated that they were a "file manager", but I could not figure out how to make them work, at least not with a USB stick.
Is there a tutorial or something?
Thank you in advance....
BoDill
I am embarrassed to tell you this, but I haven't figured out how "Open file manager" yet. This something that I have looked for before, and have not found a simple answer. I have found a few things that indicated that they were a "file manager", but I could not figure out how to make them work, at least not with a USB stick.
Is there a tutorial or something?
Thank you in advance....
BoDill
Desktop: OptiPlex-790 ; Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia Mate (Renew 2027)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420; Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)
Laptop 2: HP ProBook 440 G3, Linux Mint 20.3 Una Mate (Renew April 2025)