Linux partition resizing

2003-03-18 13:16:32

sorry guys, but I recently moved to linux, but I didnt have alot space available so I only made an 1 gig partition (linux Ext2, if im correct). but now I've freed up some space, and wanted to resize it. so I started partition magic 7 (I still have windows 98 on my disk) but it was unable to do anything with the partition... and the partitioning program within Linux (Suse linux 8.1 + kde 3.1) told me not to change anything on an mounted drive, but it is impossible to unmount the drive/partition on which linux is installed, isnt it?

how could I solve this? must I reinstall tha whole shit??? plz... I dont want to

Linux partition resizing

Reply #1 – 2003-03-18 15:14:20

If you have all software needed on bootable floppies (or can run them another way without starting linux) you could use some backup software like Ghost to make a backup on a partition that will remain untouched, delete the partition and free some more space (PartitionMagic will do this), create a new partion and restore from the Ghost image. (I don't know if ghost - and what version - will work with linux partitions, but there's something similar for sure.)

[EDIT=reply to post below]
Easy is fine. I just need the secure'n'fuzzy feeling to have a backup when I mess with partitions. Immagine someone pulls the power cable while a partition is moved.
[/EDIT]

Linux partition resizing

Reply #2 – 2003-03-18 15:40:50

aaah, tnx, thats an good idea. I'll try it... (but if someone knows a easier solution - go ahead!

Linux partition resizing

Reply #3 – 2003-03-18 16:07:08

well, I'll leave it, and delete the current linux partition anyway. there's going to be a new linux version from suse (8.2) which includes KDE 3.1 (i had already *partly* installed it, but it wasnt perfect, cuz im a dumbo ) and other improvements. I know I could upgrade my current version, but I prefer re-installing, so I wont put efforts in my current installation. I can work with it for now, and on 14 april...  B)

Linux partition resizing

Reply #4 – 2003-03-19 04:13:39

The utility you are looking for is parted. You will need a bootable floppy to resize your root partition since you cant resize it while it is mounted. Get the image file here

If you are used to a gui like ghost or partition magic you may find parted very cryptic so read the howtos and user manual before you start feeding it commands. I was able to resize my ext3 partition to make room for an xp partition this way so i know it works. Partition magic 8 is supposed to have ext3 support but i dont know how reliable it is. Good luck.

Linux partition resizing

Reply #5 – 2003-09-01 22:15:12

tnx for the help... NOW I knew what I had to do - download KNOPPIX ;-) (www.knoppix.net) that way you can use qtparted or whatever to do anything you want.