Warning: Unable to clear old partition information

Problem:

MakeDisk is unable to successfully create the USB flash drive boot media and fails with the following message:

Warning: Unable to clear old partition information. (0)

Cause:

MakeDisk is not being allowed access to make the necessary changes to the drive. This is most likely caused by security software blocking access. Windows Defender is known to cause this issue if strict security is being used and MakeDisk is not allowed in Controlled Folder Access. Other security programs may also cause this issue.

Solution:

Configure the security program to allow MakeDisk to access and make changes to the drive. Basic instructions for Windows Defender in Windows 11 are shown below. Third-party security programs should also have similar settings available.

Windows Security / Windows Defender (Windows 11)

Allow a program access to folders protected by Controlled Folder Access:

1. Open Windows Settings and select the Privacy and security section.
2. Select Windows Security.
3. Select the Virus & threat protection section.
4. Scroll to the Ransomware protection section and click the Manage ransomware protection link.
5. In the Controlled folder access section, click the Allow an app through Controlled folder access link.
6. Click the Add an allowed app button and then select either Recently blocked apps or Browse all apps.
7. Select or browse to the MakeDisk program (makedisk.exe) to add it.
8. MakeDisk should now be shown in the list of allowed apps.