Formatting to EXT3

r3sistance · 08-11-2010, 06:07 AM

Quick question? What type of device is your Western Digital device? You have placed a name above but this does not need to be the valid model name... I am suspicious that this could be a NAS device which will likely mean due to the way gparted works, it can not be used for this as this would make it a networking device as opposed to an external device.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyraud

The Humax system will only recognise EXT3 which has no limitations or FAT32 (This was confirmed by the tech dept at Humax)

As far as I am currently aware there is no such thing as a Filing system without limit, just simply put the limits on things like NTFS and EXT3 are larger then majority of tasks will be able to touch (currently), but very large sized SANs on the other hand....

onebuck · 08-11-2010, 07:08 AM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyraud

The Humax system will record on Fat32, but because of its 4GB limitation it's no good for High Deffination or 60 minute plus programmes. The Humax system will only recognise EXT3 which has no limitations or FAT32 (This was confirmed by the tech dept at Humax)

I previously downloaded the Linux startup program to disc, but then realised that I'd wiped my normal PC startup which I could'nt recover, so I'm concerned not to do this again. (Linux worked ok, but could'nt see my WD external drive)!

Can I use partedMagic live cd without effecting the normal startup and how do I do this, and where do I get the special drivers to install EXT3 ?

Thanks again for all your support............Paul

Humax is a DVR? Another reason to read the 'How to Ask Questions the Smart Way' would be one link you should look at to help us to help you in the future. Not providing the information initially makes things rather difficult for everyone.

For your previous problem, I suspect you wiped the bootloader. Not a big thing to restore your original or a different one to control your boot.

As for the LiveCD use, you should be able to perform the desired actions with the 'parted' application. Just be sure to identify the proper devices. You don't install the ext3 filesystem. First using the 'parted' you would create a partition from available space then format or just commit the whole drive by formatting the device with the ext3 filesystem.

eyraud · 08-11-2010, 07:56 AM

I have just downloaded VirtualBox for Windows and it's sayes WARNING Network Interfaces - Installing the Oracle VM VirtualBox networking feature will reset your network connection and temporarily disconnect you from the network.

Please forgive my caution, but can you confirm that I will be able to format my Western Digital USB external HD to EXT3 having opened this program, without effecting the rest of my PC and that I can reset my network by returning my computer to an earlier time.

For your info : When I eventually succeed to format my external HD, it will be connected directly to the Humax receiver, with no connection to my computer.

Thanks again .......Paul

r3sistance · 08-11-2010, 08:10 AM

Eyraud, as I said before, can you confirm the actually model of the Western Digital, on top of this can you confirm how it is connected to the computer, via USB or via the network?

onebuck · 08-11-2010, 08:11 AM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyraud

I have just downloaded VirtualBox for Windows and it's sayes WARNING Network Interfaces - Installing the Oracle VM VirtualBox networking feature will reset your network connection and temporarily disconnect you from the network.

Please forgive my caution, but can you confirm that I will be able to format my Western Digital USB external HD to EXT3 having opened this program, without effecting the rest of my PC and that I can reset my network by returning my computer to an earlier time.

For your info : When I eventually succeed to format my external HD, it will be connected directly to the Humax receiver, with no connection to my computer.

Thanks again .......Paul

You are compounding the problem! Why not use the LiveCD as suggested to create the filesystem on this drive? When you boot the system with the LiveCD no system changes unless you make them. Just be sure to identify the drive to do your filesystem creation on.
As for the drive to be a separate storage on the Humax system, be sure the receiver does allow additional storage. Some just move the system to the new drive then fill from there. It will depend on how they have the OS setup on the Humax.

linuxlover.chaitanya · 08-11-2010, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyraud

I have just downloaded VirtualBox for Windows and it's sayes WARNING Network Interfaces - Installing the Oracle VM VirtualBox networking feature will reset your network connection and temporarily disconnect you from the network.

Please forgive my caution, but can you confirm that I will be able to format my Western Digital USB external HD to EXT3 having opened this program, without effecting the rest of my PC and that I can reset my network by returning my computer to an earlier time.

For your info : When I eventually succeed to format my external HD, it will be connected directly to the Humax receiver, with no connection to my computer.

Thanks again .......Paul

Why do you need the virtualbox? You just want to format the drive to ext3, right? Use PartedMagic Live and format the drive.

eyraud · 09-15-2010, 08:45 AM

I am wondering if any of you technical guys would be willing to format my Western Digital external USB 1.5 TB Hard Drive to Linux EXT3. I am naturally happy to pay for your time and trouble and for postage. The WD drive is for storing video footage and will be connected to my Humax Freesat HD Digital TV Box(not a computer), and the Humax Box will only record high deffination programmes in EXT3 format.

I've tried to do the job myself with my PC, but have failed to change my system to format in Linux.

Look forward to hearing from you if you can help.

Best wishes.........Paul

damgar · 09-15-2010, 08:48 AM

Why don't you just download an Ubuntu live cd and format it yourself with gparted? It would be easier than shipping it and save 6-10 business days.