Arch Linux

alafanky

Member

Registered: 2007-04-30

Posts: 3

[solved] How to convert fs from ext2 to ext3 on root partition?

Hello there!

Edit: It seems that the plan works! apparently it worked for alleyoopster also on a mounted fs.

As the title says, I want to convert my fs on / from ext2 to ext3. After some research I think I know what
to do, but want to make sure that I don't mess anything up....

So here is the plan:

boot with an install disc and leave the root partition unmounted (I know that in theory the conversion should
work on a mounted fs, but it feels awkward to me and I want to avoid it....).
Then use the
tune2fs -j /dev/xxx
command (the defaults for the forced checks are ok with me). Then reboot with the CD still in place, but use
this time root=/dev/xxx. Then I can change my /etc/fstab (ext3 should have been able to be mounted as ext2 at
the moment). Finally I have to rebuild my initrd image with
mkinitcpio -p kernel26

Then I should be able to boot into my system. And now the question: Can anyone verify that this is a valid approach
and will work? Or knows a better way to do it?

I'm grateful for any input

Last edited by alafanky (2007-11-26 15:41:35)

alleyoopster

Member

From: Cape Town

Registered: 2006-11-19

Posts: 95

Re: [solved] How to convert fs from ext2 to ext3 on root partition?

Have a look at the man for tune2fs and mkinitcpio

man tune2fs
man mkinitcpio

I am looking at doing the same and as far as I can figure out it goes like this, BUT this is not a proven method just what I am thinking of doing, Maybe someone else can correct or add to this or confirm that it will work.

1. Add journal parameter like this:

tune2fs -j /dev/sda1

2. Change the partition type from ext2 to ext3 in /etc/fstab

3. For a standard  kernel re-create ramdisk with preset parameters (no good for custom kernel)

mkinitcpio -p kernel26

As the system is mounted it will create the journal inode in the top level, don't delete this, it will get hidden into the filesystem on reboot.

Let me know if you make some progress. I may get brave and try it later.

So in answer, yes pretty much the same but I think you can do it with the fs mounted.

Last edited by alleyoopster (2007-11-26 12:44:29)

alleyoopster

Member

From: Cape Town

Registered: 2006-11-19

Posts: 95

Re: [solved] How to convert fs from ext2 to ext3 on root partition?

I just did exactly as my previous post and so far so good. I have rebooted the system and it has come up as ext3 and working ok. I cannot see any obvious problems.

Remember to change /dev/xxxx to what you need.

Good Luck

alafanky

Member

Registered: 2007-04-30

Posts: 3

Re: [solved] How to convert fs from ext2 to ext3 on root partition?

Thank you for your input!

After you confirmed that my plan seemed plausible, I dared to convert the fs.
I still didn't dare to create the journal on the mounted fs...(it somehow doesn't feel right to me)
and followed my plan as described. and it seemed to have worked flawlessly.

happy end