# USB Formatting

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The following steps must be completed by the System Administrator.
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Before using a USB drive, whether it's brand new or has been used in a previous election, it should be formatted. 

In VxAdmin, select Settings from the side menu and select *`Format USB.`*

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Confirm you want to format the USB drive by selecting *`Format USB`* and confirming by selecting *`Format USB`* again. **Formatting the USB drive will delete all files on the USB drive.**

<div><figure><img src="https://3689992367-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD1Q1RPHT4tkPuKCBW89l%2Fuploads%2Fiim2aRM4iVchi31GuUuM%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=45f14415-35a4-43ae-9bc8-27a40a620a50" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://3689992367-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD1Q1RPHT4tkPuKCBW89l%2Fuploads%2Fl19ppv2pK2SwEM55RTN6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ba4ab624-943f-4427-b1d2-67cc2803540c" alt="" width="273"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

VxAdmin will then confirm your USB drive is ready for use.  Repeat this step for all other USB drives.