How to Install GParted on a USB Flash Drive to Wipe a Hard Drive

GParted is an application that comes preinstalled in Ubuntu, and that is a favorite amongst Linux users who want a formatting and partitioning application with an easy-to-use GUI. Because there are times when a computer will need formatted or partitioned but will lack an operating system, using GParted as a LiveCD loaded onto a bootable USB drive is the best option.

If you want to load GParted onto a USB drive and make it bootable as a LiveCD, read on to find out how.

Step 1

Download the LiveCD version of GParted from its official website. Be sure that the version you download is the LiveCD or you won't be able to make it bootable. The downloaded file should be in the form of an ISO; if it is a zip file, you will need to use archival software to unzip it. If it is an ISO, then you downloaded the wrong file and should look for an alternative source.

Step 2

You will need a USB flash drive (also referred to as a thumb drive) that is at least 256MB in size. You can also use an SD card if your computer has an SD slot, as it will be treated the same as a USB flash drive.

Plug the USB drive into your computer and reformat it; if you're using Windows, you can reformat it by right-clicking and selecting 'format'. Use Fat32 as the file type. Backup whatever data you have on the drive before continuing, as formatting it will delete all the files.

Step 3

Download a program called 'Unetbootin' and save it to your desktop. It is completely portable and doesn't need to be installed. Launch the program by double-clicking on it. Choose the radio button that says 'Diskimage' and choose 'ISO' from the dropdown menu. Click the 'browse' button and choose the GParted ISO you downloaded in STEP 1.

In the bottom section, choose the letter that belongs to your USB drive. Be sure not to choose any other drive letter, as it will destroy your system. This method is safe as long as you choose the right letter.

Step 4

Once finished, the app will prompt you to either reboot or exit. Choose 'exit'. Remove the USB drive from your laptop or computer and place it into the computer you want to format or edit. Restart the system and choose to boot from USB in BIOS.

Step 5

The program will prompt you to choose from one of several options. Choose the first option, and the program will start up like a lean desktop system.