new filesystem: convert, or move data?
 

I have about 40GB of data on a partition I want to convert to XFS. would it be faster/safer to move or copy all the data first, and then just make the new filesystem (and then copy it all back, of course), or convert it with all the data still on there? are there any good tutorials for converting ext3 to XFS? I saw something in a gentoo wiki, but I think they recommended not converting but doing it more traditionally (umounting, making new fs, etc.)

irrespective of converting or recopying you are always advised of backup. So I would better do a backup and then copy it once again.

try using rsync or tar for the transfer to preserve file permissions/dates...

Um, well, I don't know of a way to 'convert' filesystems, usually the formatting process involves the loss of all files on the partition being formatted.

you convert with convertfs:

http://gentoo-wiki.com/HOWTO_Convert_Filesystems

not sure how stable or safe it is, though. as you can see, gentoo lists some bugs and caveats to the process, and they've taken it out of their repos.

So after reading that again, I think I'll just backup/copy and reformat normally. thanks.

Ahh, I see, it's a special algorithm, well certainly you should follow their advice:

Add to that 'Have a nice day :)'

exactly. :D

anyway, I just copied the data and converted the partition. I didn't time it, but I think it took about an hour or hour and a half. now i just have to copy the data back. tried and true -- the best method. :cool: