Convert to Ext4

[jonnycat26]

I’m running OpenSUSE 12.1, and I’ve noticed that all of my partitions are ext3. I’m assuming that’s because I’ve been running this forever, and during upgrades it’s kept the filesystems as is. In fact, the only reason it’s not running ReiserFS is probably due to the fact that the HD is only 3 years old and I did a full reinstall when I got it.

So, my question is: Should I convert my ext3 to ext4? Would I see any performance benefit? And if I should do this, what are the steps to do so? I’ve googled, but everything I’ve found is for older versions of opensuse.

[jdmcdaniel3]

@jonnycat26

I’m running OpenSUSE 12.1, and I’ve noticed that all of my partitions are ext3. I’m assuming that’s because I’ve been running this forever, and during upgrades it’s kept the filesystems as is. In fact, the only reason it’s not running ReiserFS is probably due to the fact that the HD is only 3 years old and I did a full reinstall when I got it.

So, my question is: Should I convert my ext3 to ext4? Would I see any performance benefit? And if I should do this, what are the steps to do so? I’ve googled, but everything I’ve found is for older versions of opensuse.

First off, if all is well, I am not sure I would worry about a conversion until your upgrade to openSUSE 12.2. Second, you can’t convert a partition that is in use. So, download a openSUSE LiveCD, boot from it amd make sure it works OK. Third, backup any important data you can not afford to lose. Finally, if you are ready, here is a link I found on the subject:

Linux Convert ext3 to ext4 File system

Good luck and tell us of your success or decision to wait for your next upgrade.

Thank You,

[jonnycat26]

@jdmcdaniel3

First off, if all is well, I am not sure I would worry about a conversion until your upgrade to openSUSE 12.2. Second, you can’t convert a partition that is in use. So, download a openSUSE LiveCD, boot from it amd make sure it works OK. Third, backup any important data you can not afford to lose. Finally, if you are ready, here is a link I found on the subject:

Linux Convert ext3 to ext4 File system

Good luck and tell us of your success or decision to wait for your next upgrade.

Thank You,

So, I finally got around to doing this. I sort of used those directions, and sort of went my own way.

I first edited /etc/fstab and changed all of my mounts from ext3 to ext4 and rebooted.

I then ran mkinitrd to create the boot image. After that, I rebooted to a USB stick and ran the tune2fs commands pm the page you listed.

Everything’s fine so far.

[jdmcdaniel3]

@jonnycat26

So, I finally got around to doing this. I sort of used those directions, and sort of went my own way.

I first edited /etc/fstab and changed all of my mounts from ext3 to ext4 and rebooted.

I then ran mkinitrd to create the boot image. After that, I rebooted to a USB stick and ran the tune2fs commands pm the page you listed.

Everything’s fine so far.

WoW! That is quite an accomplishment and something to be proud of that you were able to do on your own. We were certainly happy to help and it was good to hear of your success.

Thank You,