identify files on sda, sdb

dahliash · 02-05-2010, 05:38 PM

Hi,

I have two hard drives, sda and sdb. Windows resides on one and Linux on the other. Before I reinstall Linux from scratch, I want to make sure I know which is which so that I don't end up erasing my windows drive.

How can I identify which files/directories are sitting on each drive?

I.e. how do I find out the mount points of /dev/sda/ and /dev/sdb/ ?

I have searched the archives but haven't found a reply.

Thanks!
Dahlia.

amishtechie · 02-05-2010, 05:44 PM

Run the command "fdisk -l" as root. You should be able to determine the location of your windows install from the type of filesystem used on the disk.

mrrangerman · 02-05-2010, 05:45 PM

If there are two Hard Drives then when you get to the partitioning section of the install CD one drive will be listed as having a windows partition and the other as having a Linux partition. Pick the one with Linux on it.

dahliash · 02-05-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amishtechie

Run the command "fdisk -l" as root. You should be able to determine the location of your windows install from the type of filesystem used on the disk.

Thanks.
I see sda1 and sda2 as Linux and Linux LVM, respectively.

1. I guess this means that sdb has to be the Windows disk - correct?

2. What is Linux LVM? I'm asking in order to figure out whether I need to recreate this setting in the new installation I'm about to run.

Thanks,
Dahlia

amishtechie · 02-05-2010, 09:08 PM

Yes, Windows should be on sdb if sda has all of your Linux partitions. To be sure, make sure the output of the above command lists the file system on sdb as either FAT32 or NTFS. LVM is an acronym for Logical Volume Manager. Hope it helps.

chrism01 · 02-07-2010, 07:59 PM

You can post the output from

fdisk -l

(lower L) if you're not sure and we'll have a look.

dahliash · 02-08-2010, 01:59 PM

Here is the full output:
(I don't see the content of /sdb)

[root]# /sbin/fdisk -l

Disk /dev/sda: 1500.3 GB, 1500301910016 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 182401 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sda1 * 1 13 104391 83 Linux
/dev/sda2 14 182401 1465031610 8e Linux LVM
[

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrism01

You can post the output from

fdisk -l

(lower L) if you're not sure and we'll have a look.

schneidz · 02-08-2010, 02:13 PM

what i usually do is disconnect the drive so i dont accidentally reformat the wrong one.

chrism01 · 02-08-2010, 05:55 PM

If that really is the complete output, it looks like sdb has been disconnected. fdisk should show all disks if you don't specify one.

dahliash · 02-08-2010, 05:59 PM

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrism01

If that really is the complete output, it looks like sdb has been disconnected. fdisk should show all disks if you don't specify one.