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Can I format a external NTFS to Linux EXT3 with files still on it?

  • 08-09-2008 3:47pm
    #1
    ruprect
    Closed Accounts Posts: 630 ✭✭✭


    I have a half full 500GB external seagate drive and want to format it to EXT3 from NTFS.

    I would prefer not to have to backup the existing files first, is there a way to format with the files still on it?

    Would it be possible say to format the empty half to EXT3, copy the NTFS files over and then format the remainder to EXT3 too? Or preferably do the lot in one go and have just one partition.

    Also when it is formatted to EXT3 is there any recommended software to both read and write to the drive using XP?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    sink
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,314 ✭✭✭sink


    It might be possible to partition the disk using partition magic and copy the old NTFS files to the new EXT3 partition and then delete the old ntfs partition and expand the ext3 partition to the whole disk. However I have not tried this nor heard of anyone ever attempting it. There is a high risk of data loss if something goes wrong during one of the partitions. I would not attempt it if the data is vital.


  • #3
    Khannie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,485 ✭✭✭✭Khannie


    You should do the backup. It's possible to do it the way sink suggests (shrink NTFS, create EXT3, copy, delete NTFS, grow EXT3) but I would recommend against it.

    There is some way to get EXT3 support in XP, but I think it's awkward.

    Linux natively supports FAT32 very well (even in old kernels) and has full support for NTFS in more recent kernels (last 6 months or so). I'd recommend sticking with FAT32 or NTFS if you want to share data between windows and linux.


  • #4
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,857 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    if you want to do it on the drive,
    compress the ntfs files to free up space
    then run defrag and scandsk , turn off system restore for the drive

    then in linux resize the partition to free space for ext3
    move files across, and then
    you can resize/move the ext3 down, this step will take bloody ages because it will move the partition down and then expand back up !

    best to borrow another drive to do the transfer

    ext3 support in XP is dead easy - www.fs-driver.org - with one priviso
    you can access only those Ext3 volumes with the Ext2 IFS software which have been cleanly dismounted beforehand.


  • #5
    se51
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23 ✭se51


    Damn, Capt'n Midnight beat me to it with the Ext3 in XP :P
    However it is also possible to access NTFS under Linux, at least in read-only. Here's some more info.

    http://www.linux-ntfs.org/doku.php


    // EDIT:
    "We just have released ntfsprogs 2.0.0 with full read/write support!"


  • #6
    ruprect
    Closed Accounts Posts: 630 ✭✭✭ruprect


    Thanks everybody
    Capt'n Midnight wrote: »
    best to borrow another drive to do the transfer
    I think I will have to, you all have me worried!

    I have a 200GB internal and a mate has a 250GB. I was even thinking of doing a sneaky trick, go to argos and get one, then bring it back when done for a cash refund :) They have a 30day money back guarantee now, up from 16days.

    I might be able to offload it temporarily in work too.


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