How to convert a root filesystem into LVM2 configuration without reinstalling

rahulbaheti86 · 01-22-2009, 04:13 PM

Hello Friends,

i want to know that if i install linux on to my pc with
SWAP
/
/ boot
as partition and after that i want to convert them to LVM2 type configuration
how can i do that
i want to create a system having logical volumes from that system without reinstalling

these partitions should convert into two LV's
LV 0 for root
LV 1 for swap

both in one volume group

Please reply as soon as possible

Thanks and regards

Rahul Baheti

TB0ne · 01-22-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rahulbaheti86

Hello Friends,

i want to know that if i install linux on to my pc with
SWAP
/
/ boot
as partition and after that i want to convert them to LVM2 type configuration
how can i do that
i want to create a system having logical volumes from that system without reinstalling

these partitions should convert into two LV's
LV 0 for root
LV 1 for swap

both in one volume group

That's like wanting to replace your cars engine, while you're driving. If you repartition your disk, and employ an LVM configuration, there's going to be nothing on the disk after step 1, to keep the system running.

Sorry...you'll have to reinstall.

lazlow · 01-22-2009, 05:34 PM

While there are a few (very few) instances that LVMs are required, most of the features it offers can be accomplished without them. LVMs have the (huge) disadvantage in that when they fail they add an additional layer of complexity to recovering them. IF there is no other way to get what you need, then this is acceptable but for the vast majority of users requirement LVMs are an unnecessary added level of complexity.

r3sistance · 01-22-2009, 09:03 PM

Just like to add that /boot can NOT appear in LVM anyway. So that just can't be converted, and their is just no point to having SWAP in LVM really either. So the only thing that'd appear in LVM their is /, which to be honest the whole point of LVM is if your gunna have /, /tmp, /usr, /var, etc as seperate partitions that you can resize them but I personally just don't like LVM... if your just gunna have / then the others will appear under the / partitions so you might as well make a single / ext3 partition in my opinion.

chm0dvii · 03-04-2009, 05:43 PM

Actually you can. There is a document on Redhat's Website.

http://kbase.redhat.com/faq/docs/DOC-7375

Hope this helps.