Read/write to linux partition from Win2000/XP?
 

Is there a driver that you can download for Windows 2000/XP that will allow you to read/write access to linux drives? I basically have two computers. One i use all the time and another machine thats basically my Server (DB, Mail, File, FTP, ect) and it has both linux and windows 2000 advanced server on it. I would like the ability to store all my data on one drive and have access to it whether im running 2000 or linux. Right now its formatted with NTFS but i plan to reformat it and stick all my data on this drive. I just need a scheme so i can access the drive (read/write) no matter what OS i am using.

thanks
Brent

The easiest option is to add a second hard drive formatted as FAT and save all of your shared files there. Linux can read/write FAT with no problem.

So setting Windows 2000 to read a linux partion is out of the question? I like the security you get with the linux file system rather than plain Dos. I would think with linux being free software and basically the code to read/write to linux partitions is available that someone would have written something to do this from Windows.

Ncage

I've never heard of such a monster, but then again I've never looked? I just did a quick google and came up with nothing. Maybe somebody else will have a better idea for you. sorry.

There is a program made by Paragorn Software that will let you read/write to ext2 or etx3 from NTFS. It's saved me many times. The only thing is that it's not free. It costs about 30 bucks.

If you're interested let me know and I'll find the link. I have it on CD somewhere.

Good Luck

I have a patch for the kernel that adds read wupport, but not write. I kinda need that write support too ... but I ain't payin 30 bucks to do it, that's 1/3 the $ of a hdd. Someone will write an open-source r/w system real soon, it's a high demand.

Well ok I guess I'm interested ... :) Can you find the link please?

here's a couple of progs I've found:

http://e2fsprogs.sourceforge.net/ext2.html

http://uranus.it.swin.edu.au/~jn/linux/explore2fs.htm

The second one is the only one I've tried, and read support works good - write support according to them is iffy, and I didn't play with that, as I was on my work box at the time :D

And, as far as I know, they are both free (bonus :) )

If you're not using ext2/3fs, unfortunately, I can't help

http://www.ext2fs.com

Yeah... it sucks it's Windows software that costs money. But losing 20 Gig's of MP3's will make you break out the wallet to prevent it happening again.

Use a separate FAT partition accessible from any OS. This resists all OS reinstalls and is always available...
Now and then I burn a copy to cd.

Yeah, but I'd actually perfer to spend money on a prog like that because it guarantees it will not screw up your computer ...