Can't mount ntfs hard drives?
 

I know this is probably a real newbie question, but alas, I am a linux newb. I am having trouble mounting my 160gb ntfs hard drive. I used the command

mount -t ntfs /dev/hdb /mnt/160GBMaxtor
and i got this...
mount: fs type ntfs not supported by kernel

now I can understand this, but in the man 8 mount pages it clearly lists the supported types and ntfs is listed. I really need to mount this (and another 40gb ntfs drive) badly, and I misunderstanding something? Thanks.

Yes, NTFS is supported by mount, but it's not supported by your kernel. When a kernel is compiled, you choose which filesystems you want it to be able to use. Since NTFS support is still "experimental", it's not normally added to a standard kernel. If you are running RedHat, there is a module you can install to add NTFS support to your kernel. I don't know where to get it off the top of my head. Either search here or on Google. As for other distros, I don't know if you can add in support without compiling your own kernel.

While I was waiting for a reply I was actually searching this site for a mod, and I found one at http://linux-ntfs.sourceforge.net/info/redhat.html . I am trying it out now. Thanks!

Be VERY carefull with NTFS under linux. It is supported under linux, but I STRONGLY suggest you only provide read access to it. DO NOT try to mount it in read/write mode: you will most likely trash the hadr drive. Writing support for NTFS is very experimental at the best right now and should not be attempted. Even read access can cause problems from time to time, so be carefull....

http://linux-ntfs.sourceforge.net/info/redhat.html <-- that doesn't work for me i always get "mount: fs type ntfs not supported by kernel"

:/

which version of redhat do u use? anyway, search for an rpm of ntfs modules suitable for redhat kernel at:
rpm.pbone.net

Couldn't you just compile your kernel again adding NTFS support? (if you know how, don't worry if you don't, just listen to the other nice people)

i'm using red hat 9.0 kernel 2.4.20-18.9

goto rpm.pbone.net, then search for ntfs module rpm for the exact version of your kernel, install it then try mounting the partition

(look for the exact version :i686 or i386)