How to create bootable USB Pendrive with Ecther on Ubuntu 18.10

Introduction

Creating a bootable USB pendrive is an essential skill for anyone looking to install an operating system, troubleshoot a computer, or perform system recovery tasks. For Ubuntu users, there are many tools available to accomplish this task, with Etcher standing out due to its user-friendly interface and cross-platform capabilities. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the process of creating a bootable USB pendrive with Etcher on Ubuntu 18.10, providing detailed steps, troubleshooting tips, and best practices.

What is Etcher?

Etcher, now known as Balena Etcher, is a powerful open-source tool that allows users to easily create bootable USB drives and SD cards from disk images. Unlike many other applications, Etcher is designed with simplicity in mind, making it accessible for users of all technical levels. It supports various image formats including ISO and IMG, and its sleek interface helps avoid accidental data loss, ensuring only the intended storage device is written to.

System Requirements

Before we proceed, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

• Ubuntu 18.10: This guide focuses specifically on Ubuntu 18.10, but Etcher works on other Linux distributions as well.
• USB Pendrive: A minimum of 4 GB storage capacity is recommended, although you should check the requirements of the OS you are planning to install.
• .ISO File: You will need an ISO file of the operating system you wish to install. Common examples include various Linux distributions (like Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian) and even Windows.

Installing Etcher on Ubuntu 18.10

Step 1: Download Etcher

1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Balena Etcher website.
2. Click on the “Download” button to get the latest version for Linux. You’ll receive a .AppImage file. They are portable executables that do not require installation in the traditional sense.

Step 2: Give Execution Permission

Once your download is complete, you need to give the downloaded AppImage file execution permissions. Here’s how:

1. Open a terminal by searching for it in your application menu or pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Navigate to the directory where the AppImage is located, typically in Downloads. Type the following command:

   bash
   cd ~/Downloads

3. Now, make the file executable by running:

   bash
   chmod +x balena-etcher-*.AppImage

Step 3: Launch Etcher

You can run the application by typing the following command in the terminal:

bash
./balena-etcher-*.AppImage

Alternatively, you can double-click the .AppImage file from your file manager to start Etcher.

Creating a Bootable USB Pendrive

Now that Etcher is up and running, it’s time to create your bootable USB pendrive.

Step 1: Select the Image File

1. On the Etcher interface, click on the “Flash from file” button.
2. Navigate to the location of your downloaded ISO file (e.g., Ubuntu ISO) and select it. Click “Open”.

Step 2: Insert the USB Pendrive

1. Make sure your USB pendrive is plugged into any USB port on your computer.
2. Etcher should recognized it automatically. If you have multiple drives connected, ensure you select the correct one as all data from the selected drive will be erased.

Step 3: Start the Flashing Process

1. After verifying that the image file and the USB drive are correctly set, click on the “Flash!” button.
2. You might be prompted for your password, as Etcher needs the necessary permissions to write to the USB device.

Step 4: Wait for Completion

The flashing process will take some time, depending on the size of the ISO and the speed of the USB drive. Etcher will display a progress bar. Once the process is complete, you will get a notification indicating that the USB pendrive is ready for use.

Step 5: Eject the USB Drive

Before physically removing the USB pendrive, click on the “Eject” button in the Etcher interface to ensure it’s safe to remove. This helps avoid potential data corruption.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

USB Not Being Recognized

If Etcher doesn’t recognize your USB drive, try the following:

• Ensure the USB drive is properly connected.
• Try using a different USB port or cable.
• Run the application with higher permissions by using sudo.

Error Messages During Flashing

If you encounter errors during the flashing process, ensure that:

• The ISO file is not corrupted. You can verify the checksums provided by the OS distributor.
• The USB drive has enough space and is functioning properly.

Best Practices for Creating Bootable USB Drives

1. Backup Important Data: Always backup any important files on the USB drive before flashing, as the process will erase all data.

2. Use a High-Quality USB Drive: A good quality USB drive can significantly reduce long wait times and errors during the flashing process.

3. Verify the ISO Image: Before you begin the flashing process, verify the integrity of your ISO file to ensure it’s free from corruption, which could lead to installation issues.

4. Keep Etcher Updated: Regularly updating Etcher ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes. Check their website periodically for updates.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable USB pendrive using Etcher on Ubuntu 18.10 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with minimal technical knowledge. With its intuitive interface and robust functionality, Etcher simplifies the task of transferring operating system images to USB devices. By following this guide, you now have the skills to create a bootable USB drive effectively, paving the way for easy OS installations and troubleshooting tasks.

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of creating a bootable USB drive?

Creating a bootable USB drive allows you to install an operating system directly from the USB, which can be particularly useful for system recovery, reinstallation, or trying out new distros without affecting your current setup.

2. Can I use Etcher to create a bootable USB for Windows?

Yes, Etcher can create bootable USB drives for Windows as well. Just download the Windows ISO and follow the same steps outlined above.

3. What happens if I accidentally select the wrong USB drive?

If you select the wrong USB drive during the process, all data on that drive will be erased. Ensure you double-check the drive letter when confirming your selection in Etcher.

4. Is there an alternative to Etcher?

Yes, there are other tools available such as UNetbootin, Rufus, or dd command in Linux, but Etcher is favored for its simplicity and user-friendliness.

5. How can I create a bootable USB without a GUI?

You can use command-line utilities like dd to create bootable USB drives, but this method is more complex and can be risky as it requires precise command usage to avoid data loss.

6. Is it safe to remove the USB drive right after flashing?

No, you should always properly eject the USB drive using the option in Etcher or your file manager. This ensures that all data is written correctly and prevents data corruption.