I have an existing SUSE10.1 install where I have / in an LVM partition with a reiserfs fs. Only /boot and swap in other partitions. I would like to switch to a different filesystem, either reiser4 or XFS (haven't decided, and not trying to start that debate).

Procedure i'm imagining (but looking for advice on) is:
- boot on a livecd
- create new LVM logical volume
- create fs in new logical volume
- mount both
- copy all files (e.g. tar | cpio?)
- adjust grub menu.lst in /boot

BUT -- is there any special way I need to copy all the files to make sure all special devices, block files, etc. get copied? I had been thinking a tar | cpio, but I don't know for sure if that's best or even safe. Also, are there adjustments I'll have to make on the target system? Seems like I wouldn't have to make fstab adjustments ... no? Any others?

Or -- is there simply a better way overall to do this?

Thx for any advice!

from a live cd ought to do it.

Adjust /etc/fstab and /boot/grub/menu.lst to suit as you said yourself. Also make sure the kernel has support for the new filesystem compiled directly in it or make sure your initrd contains the filesystem module and any other required modules.

Edit: ooh, you may or may not have to reinstall grub