Installing Ubuntu "/dev/sda/1 assigned to / starts at an offset of 3584 bytes from the minimum alignment for this disk, which may lead to very poor performance"

Similar problem: https://askubuntu.com/questions/1063979/i-cant-install-ubuntu-due-to-disk-alignment-problems-im-new-to-ubuntu-so-any

The suggested solution is to remove any preceding partition in the harddrive. My hdd was a Samsung 860 Evo 500 GB SATA 3  - I doubt it's a factor in the problem, but just in case you're curious.

Back story: I was trying to install Ubuntu 18.04 from a Bootable USB loaded with the image, onto this harddrive which is connected to my laptop via the external enclosure.

I have tried multiple times deleting the partition, reformatting, as suggested but to no avail. The installer won't let me continue with the installation either.

However, it turns out that my problem is slightly different. I had used this external hard drive enclosure by Sabrent

How I solved it - by NOT USING THE ENCLOSURE!

1. Delete the partition on the harddrive.
2. Shut down the PC/Laptop, unplug the enclosure
3. Plug the harddrive directly into the laptop or PC

This time, the installation did not detect the offset at all, and the installation went smoothly.

It is unknown why using the external enclosure cause the offset. Leave a comment below if you've encountered similar experience, or if you know the explanation.

Hope that helps.

M