Cannot execute files on ext4 partition
 

I just migrated my /home to a separate partition for easier upgrades/backups. Unfortunately, now my ~/bin scripts (and desktop launchers) can no longer be executed.

The ls command reveals that the files are still owned by me, and the permission masks still makes them executable:

The fstab entry shows that the partition is mounted with the exec flag:

And yet, files aren't executable:

In fact, the only thing that's changed is that the file-system is ext4. But I didn't find anything on Google ext4 not supporting binary execution...

Addendum: fstab shows hat the partition SHOULD have been mounted with exec.

mount shows that (as could be guessed) it wasn't:

So I guess my real question is: Why won't Ubuntu 9.04 let me mount a partition of type ext4 with the exec flag?

Hello!

I have the same problem, have you solved it? How can i mount the ext4 partition with exec option set?

Thanks,
Anton

I'm afraid I haven't. It might be solvable, but personally I've sworn off ext4 for the time being; I'm back to ext3 exclusively.

oh, not good to hear. but thanks for the reply.
so i will also switch back to ext3!

greetings from vienna,
Anton

Strange. Perhaps try looking at Ubuntu's forums, or their bug reporting pages, to see if it's known (and if not, add it).

Is your kernel atleast a 2.6.32 kernel.
I only ask ,because I have Debian 506 & Ubuntu 10.10
For Debian the only the 2.6.32 kernel was able to read into my Ubuntu files.
Ubuntu 10.10 is ext4
Debian is ext2

My only option was to change Debian kernel to 2.6.32.

So there's your problem. I have no idea why you need the "user" option at all - that's normally employed for removable drives. But if you must use it, put exec after user.

(It should be noted than in general, when trying to figure out options and stuff for /etc/fstab, the mount manpage is a lot more informative than the fstab manpage.)

hi cantab!

that was also my first thought when i read the mount manpage.

my fstab is like this:
and when i mount the disk (i am on an thinkpad t60 and the disk is in the ultrabay, so it sort of an external device) this is what i get:

i also tried to remove the auto and user flags in /etc/fstab:
after mounting the disk i get this:
i have tried many options in fstab, but nothing brings the disk to mount with the exec flag on. very strange...

has anyone else seen this behaviour?

thanks,
Anton

There is no displayed "exec" flag when running "mount", only "noexec". If it's not there, you should be able to execute from it.

I don't know what debian/*buntu do with their kernels, however if you really really want to go the ext4 route you should be using the latest stable kernel. ext4 is a newly born animal, and there's quite a lot of difference and a lot less bugs on newer kernels. Pick 2.6.36 from kernel.org and use that instead. If you still have problems then it will be time to look deeper.

Thanks, cantab. I had a similar problem with executing on an external ext4 drive, and your solution worked.