Jump to content

Will moving Linux partition cause problem booting?


boatman9
 Share

Recommended Posts

This computer is using Mandriva's standard grub boot manager, dual booting Windows XP and Mandriva 2010.1. I would like to delete the second NTFS partition and expand the Linux partition to include the newly freed space.

 

I can backup the files from the Linux partition using rsync, then delete and recreate that partition as sda2, format it ext4 and restore the files.

 

What should be done to make sure the computer will still boot after the change? Is there an easier way to do the job?

 

 

Output from fdisk -l

Disk /dev/sda: 80.0 GB, 80000000000 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 9726 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0xef06ef06

  Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sda1   *           1        2431    19526976    7  HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda2            2432        4863    19535040    7  HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda3            4864        9350    36041827+  83  Linux
/dev/sda4            9351        9726     3020220   82  Linux swap / Solaris

 

 

[moved from Installing Mandriva by spinynorman]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If it were me I would take the easy option and mount the second partition as /home.

Currently you do not have a separate /home partition. A separate partition is handy if you decide to reinstall Linux.

 

Mandriva Control Centre can do all the heavy lifting for you.

First you have to log on as root user because you cannot reassign your /home while logged on as a regular user. Mandriva makes logging on as root hard work. A simple way of doing it is Ctl+Alt+F1 to get a console, log in as root user, then

service dm stop
startx

You will then have a red desktop running as root.

Now in Mandriva ControlCentre>LocalDiscs>ManagePartitions>ToggleToExpert

Select the partition and format it as ext3/4 or whatever you want, then select the mount point to be /home

A pop up will appear saying that the /home folder is not empty and would you like to transfer the files to the new partition. Say 'Yes', and the job is done.

 

The space vacated on the original Linux partition can now be used for more programme files.

 

Log out and at the text prompt enter

service dm start

and you will back in your graphical environment with your new partition in use.

Easy... But as always backup all critical data before taking advice from strangers on the internet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...