Know you should upgrade your Linux filesystem but can’t face the aggravation? Here’s how to convert ext2 and ext3 to ext4 without the upheaval of a complete re-install.
Linux Filesystems
If you were polite, you’d call the ext3 file system venerable, launching as it did way back in 2001. As for poor old ext2, that filesystem hails from 1993, and there’s no word for it other than ancient. In computer terms, ext3 is an antique. And ext2 is an archaeological find.
The modern filesystem in the Linux world is ext4 which was released in 2008. It is faster, less prone to fragmentation, capable of handling larger filesystems—and larger files—it has more accurate file date stamps and did we mention it’s faster? A lot faster.
OK, I’m Sold—Let’s Do This
Let’s think this through. Actually, you probably don’t want to upgrade your filesystem.
It makes more sense to upgrade your entire Linux system instead. By upgrade we mean take a couple of data backups, wipe your system, re-install a modern distribution, and restore your data. Go for the complete refresh. Get the benefits of a modern Linux distribution with updated software, as well as a clean, current, and newly installed filesystem.
If you cannot run a modern Linux on your hardware, even one of the lightweight distributions like Lubuntu, LinuxLite or CrunchBang++, and you absolutely have to stick with the Linux you’ve got, there are still caveats.
To upgrade your filesystem to ext4, you have to be using kernel version 2.6.28 or later. So if you don’t have that version of the kernel or a later version, you must upgrade your kernel first.
Warning: Don’t even think about trying this without satisfying that kernel version requirement. You’ll end up with an unbootable computer. Check which kernel version you’re using before continuing.
Make sure you have an install disk for the version of Linux you’re currently using and keep it on stand by. Upgrading your filesystem is not without dangers.
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Source : How to Migrate Ext2 or Ext3 File Systems to Ext4 on Linux
