Data partition for a dual boot WinXP/Linux computer

[qbek]

Here is the problem:

I have got a lot of documents that I need to be able to access from both OSs. However WinXP does not recognize the Linux ext3 partition at all, nor can Linux write to the NTFS win partition.

I have set up a separate FAT32 partition for the data, but it is restricted to ~30GB in size (I would need closer to 100GB). Any ideas how to go around the problem? TIA.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Linux NTFS Project

 

[randalee]

Latest Kernels suport experimental writing on NTFS volumes. However, you need to compile in support (ie. it's not enabled by default.) Last time I ran makemenuconfig I saw that option in there (this week), flagged "experimental". You'd simply need to check that box and compile a kernel with that support, and you'd be golden.

 

[qbek]

Thanks for the replies.

I know about the NTFS support for Linux and in fact I use it (read-only). I cannot risk 'experimental write support' - the risk of loosing data is too high.

Any other ideas?

 

[randalee]

Well unless you're willing to do a FAT32 partition for data, Linux won't want to play with it. It can mount and read/write FAT32 volumes -- Linux calls it VFAT.

 

[Nothinman]

You can make FAT partitions of 100G, just not with the Windows tools.

 

[qbek]

Thanks everybody. I do not mind FAT32, as long as the partition is large - 100G. (I even thought about using 3-4 different 30G partitions, but that would be the last resort).
Nothinman - Do you mean I can create a 100G FAT32 partition under Linux? Will Windows read it?

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: qbek
Do you mean I can create a 100G FAT32 partition under Linux? Will Windows read it?

Yes and yes.

 

[Nothinman]

Nothinman - Do you mean I can create a 100G FAT32 partition under Linux? Will Windows read it?

Yes and since it's FAT, why wouldn't Windows read it?

 

[qbek]

Thanks again, everybody.