How to resize the partition on which arch linux is installed

Pena · 2022-02-21 16:49:02

So second semester is rolling in and i just want a clean version of arch without getting rid of the one im currently using
Is there a way that i can split my current partition without causing corruption issues inside the already running arch linux?
I want a native install so container's or virtual boxes are out of question

mpan · 2022-02-21 18:22:03

Yes, but you must be extremely careful. In all cases: backup any important data: that is both to protect against your own mistakes and random events like power outage.

The operation must be performed from another system. That is: the partition in question must not be mounted at the time. Arch ISO is sufficient.

Before starting, get a good conceptual model of what you are going to do: what is a file system and what is a partition. Do not confuse those two. Always pay close attention to the units use use: if you do not specify sizes in bytes, be certain if the tool uses decimal or binary prefixes.

Shrink the file system to the desired size. The tool used depends on the file system in use. Ext2/3/4 uses resize2fs, btrfs uses btrfs filesystem resize and so on. That operation will pack blocks occupied by files close to the begining of the file system, leaving the rest of the partition unused. That operation may take considerable amount of time.
Size down the partition by editing its size in any partition editor. Note that the partition has no idea about the underlying file system and if you make a mistake you will not receive any warning that you resize it below the file system size.
Create a new partition after the shrunken one.
Create a file system on the new partition.
Install Arch there.

If the partition itself is a LUKS encrypted volume, it’s not important: dm-crypt blindly maps requests from the file system to the underlying data storage. So if the file system never attempts to access anything beyond the partition limits, dm-crypt will also not do so.

Alternatively, if you have access to GUI environment, there are tools like GParted: they have an option to resize both the file system and the partition. You may prefer that to minimize the risk.

Trilby · 2022-02-21 18:59:55

Pena wrote:

i just want a clean version of arch

Why? Why not clean up the one you have?

Arch Linux

#1 2022-02-21 16:49:02

How to resize the partition on which arch linux is installed

#2 2022-02-21 18:22:03

Re: How to resize the partition on which arch linux is installed

#3 2022-02-21 18:59:55

Re: How to resize the partition on which arch linux is installed

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