Error: "FS: Can't find ext3 filesystem on dev sdb1." when trying to mount HDD

homer_3 · 09-16-2016, 03:48 PM

I'm trying to add a 2nd HDD to my linux box and I'm getting the error "FS: Can't find ext3 filesystem on dev sdb1."

The HDD came from an older machine, so I deleted the partitions using fdisk, then added a new, primary one using the minimum and maximum cylinder values it showed and ended with the 'w' command to write it to the disk.

fdisk -l gives

Code:

Disk /dev/sdb: 500.1 GB, 500107862016 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 60801 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x81370383

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sdb1               1       60801   488384001   83  Linux

df -T /dev/sdb1 shows

Code:

Filesystem    Type   1K-blocks      Used Available Use% Mounted on
-                -     4087848        60   4087788   1% /dev

Which I'm guessing is bad because there is no type.

Emerson · 09-16-2016, 03:53 PM

There is no filesystem, and your partition is misaligned. For single filesystem I usually do not partition, mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb will do.

homer_3 · 09-16-2016, 04:00 PM

Thanks. That got it.

michaelk · 09-16-2016, 04:15 PM

fdisk creates the partition but does not create a filesystem. What distribution/version is currently running on this system? <statement redacted>

Just a suggestion, while a partition table is not required it makes it easier for the inexperienced if wanting to create another partition in the future since most howtos for shrinking assume that one already exists.

tofino_surfer · 09-16-2016, 06:02 PM

"What distribution/version is currently running on this system? I would guess an older kernel which probably does not include ext4. If the above command does not work then use mkfs.ext3 /dev/sdb1."

From the wikipedia page on ext4:

"On 11 October 2008, the patches that mark ext4 as stable code were merged in the Linux 2.6.28 source code repositories,[7] denoting the end of the development phase and recommending ext4 adoption. Kernel 2.6.28, containing the ext4 filesystem, was finally released on 25 December 2008."

From the OP

"The HDD came from an older machine .."

The HDD is older and not necessarily the machine to which he is installing it. Why are you assuming the OP's current linux box uses a kernel from before 2009 ?

"Just a suggestion, while a partition table is not required it makes it easier for the inexperienced if wanting to create another partition in the future since most howtos for shrinking assume that one already exists."

I do very much agree with this statement. A partition table takes up virtually no space and allows for future repartitioning.

michaelk · 09-16-2016, 06:09 PM

Your more likely correct ext4 is probably supported.