How to Create an Ext2 Partition

The ext2 (second extended file system) is a file system used with the Linux operating system. It supports the standard Unix file types, including regular files, directories, device files and symbolic links and is able to manage file systems created on large partitions. However, it is not a journaled file system like its successor, ext3. Creating an ext2 partition can be accomplished by using the GParted graphical partition editor. In order to create an ext2 file system, the partition must not be in use or accessible by the current file system (mounted, in Linux terminology).

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• GParted

1. Open a "Terminal Window." The terminal window will be found in the operating system's main "Application" menu, under either "System Tools" or "Utilities." You will be presented with a command prompt where you will type the following commands.

2. Type the command "su" to switch to the root user.

3. Type the command "gparted" to start the GParted graphical interface.

4. Select the hard disk from the drop-down box on the top right-hand side of the screen.

5. Select the correct partition from the partition window.

6. Click on the "Format To" option found under the "Partition" menu.

7. Choose "ext2" from the list of format options.

8. Click "Apply" to format the partition.

Tips & Warnings

• Gparted can also be downloaded and burned to a bootable CD, which can be used outside of any file system.
• Creating a new file system will erase all data on the partition.

References

• GParted
• What is EXT2?