Resizing linux partitions with Partition Magic

analog

So I'm running out of space on my linux root partition and I'd like to steal a few gigs from my WinXP partition, since lately I've been using linux more and more and windows less and less

My question is, how will my linux system react to this change? Will it still boot, or (as seems more likely) will it choke and die? Are there any simple ways to get things up and running again if it does, ie: reinstall grub?

I suppose I could just shrink the winxp partition and create another linux partition, but I'd prefer to simply have one nice big /
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arkane · l33t Joined: 30 Apr 2002 Posts: 918 Location: Phoenix, AZ

I have never used partitiion magic so I can't speak from experience. However, I can tell you that if you GROW the linux partition, then log in and resize the filesystem (off a boot cd if necessary in order to keep the ones your resizing unmounted) you will have no problem.. The other way around (shrink linux partitions) you will definately need to shrink the filesystem first, then redo the partition.

As far as XPs actions? I don't know.

pjp · Administrator Joined: 16 Apr 2002 Posts: 20067

Some people swear by it. I personally wouldn't trust the Partition Magic CD to work properly as a coaster. I've had bad luck with it. If you use it, backup any data that you can't afford to lose.
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Cr4s|-| · Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2002 6:29 am Post subject:

Sometimes it works like a charm.

but I do the resizing only when I start to install a dual boot. never with a linux partition with data on it!

I had one case were Partition magic crashed. On my laptop (old IBM tp 380Z) the current went out and he switched to battery's. PM hung instantly

analog · Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2002 6:52 am Post subject:

I've never had a problem with it on this particular machine + partition magic 7, but with previous versions I can recall some.. painful incidents. Anyhow, I've decided to risk it (backed up anything of particular importance from my linux partition) and hopefully I'll be able to succeed. Otherwise I'll be doing a lot of compliling the next few days

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analog · Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2002 7:41 am Post subject:

No joy

It appears partition magic can recognize and manipulate ext2 partitions (I could move, resize my boot partition) but not ext3, or swap.

Back to compiling...
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When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro --HST

Naan Yaar · Bodhisattva Joined: 27 Jun 2002 Posts: 1549

You can convert from ext3 to ext2 with something like this:

analog · Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2002 8:22 am Post subject:

Well, now I know for next time

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When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro --HST