Good point. I've just tested this and there is no need to do so as windows will give you a popup asking do you allow this app to make changes on this device?
EDIT: Better safe than sorry!
2 Likes
Well they where, i did try everything (from diskpart to even gparted in linux) but the partition could not even be found. It was back in 2021 and i trashed those.
In cases of BalenaEtcher bricking a USB stick; they most often can be salvaged but simply reformatting them does not always work.
As @Michel points out, many users cannot even locate the partition.
BalenaEtcher writes byte-by-byte. Using this method often results in overwriting or corrupting partition tables and file system structures.
It is less advanced at recognizing (and not overwriting) an unfamiliar filesystem or a fragmented one.
A lot of the time, a simple format will work. But due to BalenaEtchers method of writing, if partition tables were overwritten, then a simple formatting will not work.
You must use your dd commands to first Zero out the entire stick, wiping the partition tables. Use sudo wipefs and once that is complete, then you should be able to freshly format the disk, creating new tables.
7 Likes
Yeah well said, i believe thats why the clean with diskpart is so important. I am still of the belief that the usb drives can be repaired with the correct tools.
I remember the first time i experienced this with Etcher, i think it took me a good week to "repair" it. With that said, it has been a few years since this happened to me, for all i know - their software might even be completely destroying usb drives. I really hope that last bit is not the case here.
I used Rufus on Windows and Impression on Linux, are they safe or safer to use compared to Balena? I want to avoid corrupting my USBs and then having to fix them..
If you're using Rufus, then i don't think you have anything to worry about. I can't say for Impression though as i haven't used it myself.
1 Like
Windows -> Rufus/Ventoy
Linux -> Popsicle/Ventoy
2 Likes
Yes, for many reasons.
Impression does not have history of bricking USB sticks.
It does not have hidden telemetry and analytics like Balena (Balena-cli and Balena-Daemon).
1 Like
Thank you. I used Impression only once to switch one of my devices from Windows to Zorin, and didn't use that USB since, so hopefully it's alright.
Thank you, that's great to know!
I really love the default tool installed with Mint - I think it's called Mintstick? Simple and easy to use for a rookie like me... Anyone else used it? Don't tell me it's on the 'no fly' list too!!