KDE partition manager fails to shred/delete partition on USB memory stick with MANJARO/UBUNTU

[Bastian]

I have several USB memory sticks with MANJARO, and one with UBUNTU.
I wanted to remove the distributions and use USB memory sticks for something else, but I experienced a problem while trying to remove the content (MANJARO/UBUNTU).
I used KDE Partition Manager, which keeps responding with errors, and I don’t know what to do about it.
Here is the response:
" KDE Partition Manager: SMART Status Report

Date:	5/23/26 12:50 PM
Program version:	26.04.0
Backend:	pmsfdiskbackendplugin (1)
KDE Frameworks version:	6.25.0
Machine:	Linux EWG-Japan 6.18.26-1-MANJARO #1 SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:30:39 +0000 x86_64

Create a new partition table (type: msdos) on ‘/dev/sdb’

Job: Create new partition table on device ‘/dev/sdb’

Command: sfdisk --wipe=always /dev/sdb

Create new partition table on device ‘/dev/sdb’: Error

Create a new partition table (type: msdos) on ‘/dev/sdb’: Error"

[soundofthunder]

Generally, I might use GParted instead of KDE’s offering – make sure to unmount the USB before you wipe it – creating a new partition table (gpt or msdos) will usually achieve the desired result, depending upon your needs.

Keep in mind that the disk itself may have problems – this is not an uncommon phenomenon – especially with USB disks that have been re-used repeatedly for various purposes.

[Bastian]

So, first I must un-mount the USB memory stick, and then deleting partitions will work? Well, I will give it a try…

It worked. The first USB memory stick is “refreshed” and ready for more action. Two more left…

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Mod edit:- Please avoid consecutive posts. Edit the previous post instead to add more content. Remedied for you. No charge.

Yes. It works. Now everything is as it should be. Big thanx. Problem solved.

[linux-aarhus]

We have this in the Contributions > Tutorials section

[Utility Script] Repartition And Format Your USB Stick