NTFS conversion question (trying linux)

[TSDible]

Hey guys...

Ok... I decided that I'm going to take the plunge and try and construct a Linux file server for my home network.

Nothing special, but I upgraded my computer and have parts left over. I don't really want to shell out the bucks for another M$ license.

So, my computer currently has the data drive that I want to use for storage. However, it uses an NTFS format.

Is it possible to convert the partion back to say fat32 so that Linux can use the drive? I don't want to use a Linux only format just yet as I'm new to this and if things don't work for me I will just go back to M$.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Flatline]

As far as I know, you can't convert from NTFS to FAT32 (you can convert the other way) unless the newer versions of Partition Magic can do it.

I would use a native linux file system and use Samba to make the shares for your Windows box; RedHat and Mandrake both have built-in GUI managers for Samba, so if you don't want to get your hands dirty with the config file you don't have to (although I highly recommend it).

I am a big 'nix fan (see penguin logo); welcome to the community. Not all of us will tell you to RTFM every time

 

[TSDible]

That is what I was afraid of...

And eventually I will switch to a linux file format if I can get everything working....

However, I wanted to "start" with fat32 so that if I fubar everything, I can still stick the drive in a windows box to have access to the data...

I'm bouncing back and forth between Redhat and Mandrake currently...

 

[Flatline]

If you use ext3, you could still do that by using a utility. Check out http://uranus.it.swin.edu.au/~jn/linux/explore2fs.htm

 

[sirfergy]

Actually, if your file serving is read-only, you can leave it as NTFS.

 

[sirfergy]

Although if you compile a kernel module, I am pretty sure you can get NTFS write support too.

 

[Flatline]

I wouldn't recommend write access on an NTFS partition from Linux; it's really risky (although he is absolutely correct-it can be done)

 

[KF]

I believe later versions of Partition Magic do convert NTFS to FAT32, although that costs money.

Pardon if this is obvious, but if you have other storage, say another HD, you can put your stuff there temporarily, repartition the desired driver to FAT32 and then put your stuff back.

There is a free linux partiton resizer, I believe, sometimes used to squeeze linux on a drive with Windows. If your drive is not very full, you could do a series of resizes (in linux) and tranfers (in Windows, but maybe linux) to get the data you want on a partition you want. Could be very tedious.