Ubuntu 8.04 LVM2 install problem

Linux31 · 12-19-2008, 01:24 PM

I'm running Hardy with the initial HDs setup under LVM. I just added another HD which the system sees and can access fine and I wanted to add it in to the logical volume and group.

I installed LVM2 from synaptic but now can't find it under any of the pull down menus. It's not under System Tools, Administration, Preferences, etc.

Can someone point me to it?

Thanks for your help.

eco · 12-19-2008, 02:57 PM

I don't know if there is a graphical tool for setting up LVM. You should setup your LVM via a shell.

man pvcreate,
man vgcreate,
man lvcreate,
...

Loads of doc out there but make a backup first!

Linux31 · 12-19-2008, 04:33 PM

Thanks for the feedback.

I really need a graphical interface like the way it's implemented for CentOS and Fedora.

With my limited skill level, trying something like this from the terminal is asking for trouble!

eco · 12-20-2008, 06:27 AM

It's really quite easy, this is a basic example

Create a PV:
# pvcreate /dev/sda10

Now create a VG and use the space found in the PV:
# vgcreate vg00 /dev/sda10

Now create the LVs you need, this example create LV lv_foobar of 6 GB.
# lvcreate -L 6G -n /dev/vg00/lv_foobar

You got the basics, you understand them, you are now in control!

Give it a go on a test drive/partition. You'd better understand the technology if you're going to be using it.

Linux31 · 12-20-2008, 07:47 AM

Ok, I see how it goes so far but then how do I add this new drive onto the existing logical volume group to have one big volume?

The existing volume group is made up of a 500GB (sda), 250GB (sdb), and 200GB (sdc) drives.

The new drive (500GB) is sdd.

Thanks for the help.

eco · 12-21-2008, 12:43 PM

Hi,
Sorry for the late answer.

Simply add your drives to the PV
# pvcreate /dev/sd{a,b,c}

Then add all PVs to your VG. Simple as that
# vgcreate vg00 /dev/sd{a,b,c}

Note that if you add all devices into one VG and one of the devices fail, you will lose *ALL* your data!

You can add partitions or entire disks to a PV. I tend to use partitions for flexibility.

Hope this helps.