Re: Resizing File System Online

stoopot@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

Hi,

I would like to know if it is possible to grow a file system online using
SuSE SLES10 SP1? I'm using
Reiserfs but could use ext3 instead if required. I want to do this
without unmounting the FS.

Can the same method also be used to shrink a file system online?

TIA

There are lots of reasons for not attempting to do anything like this while
the partition is mounted and in use. First, any files on the partition
could be moved and that will disrupt any data access by another process and
give you data corruption.

The partition table will be modified. Also, to grow a partition usually
means that there has to be free space on the same disk, and I've never met
any one or any install or partition program that puts free space in by
default. That means some other partition has to shrink, and that may mean
moving several or all partitions on the disk. Also, the data has to be
moved to fit into the new partitioning.

So, you cannot do it online. A partitioning program could dismount it,
change it, and then remount it, but it is not online while it is being
changed.

The first thing I would recommend is a new, larger disk that you partition
to be what's needed, then use rsync to duplicate the files on the new disk.
This means taking the system down to install the disk and again to remove
the old disk (or use it for some other data). I have even built whole new
systems and swapped them out in low demand times.

Secondly, if a larger drive is not possible, I recommend is gparted booted
from a CD, with your whole system offiine. It will move data when needed.

Someone might have an answer better than mine.

Anyway, enjoy your wee hours working on it.

John
.

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