How to create ext3 partition on SD-Card under Windows - Desire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

This post is for people scared of Linux (like me)
I finally found a way to partition a SD-Card under Windows. I tried more tools, but only one was able to work with SD-Cards. Here's what you need to do:
1. Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard (google it, i cant post links)
2. Resize original FAT32 partition to make room for the ext3 one. If you have enough space, the data on the card shouldn't be affected, but make a back-up just in case.
3. Create the ext3 partition on the space made available and apply changes
The first partition should be FAT32, and the second ext3, make sure you have them in this order.

Kneros said:
This post is for people scared of Linux (like me)
I finally found a way to partition a SD-Card under Windows. I tried more tools, but only one was able to work with SD-Cards. Here's what you need to do:
1. Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard (google it, i cant post links)
2. Resize original FAT32 partition to make room for the ext3 one. If you have enough space, the data on the card shouldn't be affected, but make a back-up just in case.
3. Create the ext3 partition on the space made available and apply changes
The first partition should be FAT32, and the second ext3, make sure you have them in this order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost all custom partition managers can do this in Windows-Partition Magic, Paragon, Or Gparted with VMWare

They can, but not on SD Card. Windows doesn't support partitions on memory cards. I tried Partition Magic, Paragon, Easeus, none of them work.
I didn't try Gparted with VMWare tho, you might be right about that.

Kneros said:
They can, but not on SD Card. Windows doesn't support partitions on memory cards. I tried Partition Magic, Paragon, Easeus, none of them work.
I didn't try Gparted with VMWare tho, you might be right about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paragon works for me on Windows..And Gparted is what I use

Strange, it didn't work for me (see attached pics).

Just install the latest ClockworkMod, or Amon-RA and do it through recovery.

Is it useful to have an ext3 partition on SD card with stock 2.2 rom ?

fblasot said:
Is it useful to have an ext3 partition on SD card with stock 2.2 rom ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's useless, you need a ROM that supports it.

quick question - if I create an ext3 partition using this method or any other way, and then move the apps I had on SD (the old way) back to internal, will it then move them to the ext3 partition automatically? I just want to make sure I have this right myself before I attempt it.
I'm using Oxygen 2.3 ROM RC-6 which supports apps2sd etc.
thanks in advance for any replies.

Kneros said:
Strange, it didn't work for me (see attached pics).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See mine..
I'm using 9.0 Pro, you're using 10.0 server, if that helps..
I still prefer Gparted though..On Vmware.

Choronzonix said:
quick question - if I create an ext3 partition using this method or any other way, and then move the apps I had on SD (the old way) back to internal, will it then move them to the ext3 partition automatically? I just want to make sure I have this right myself before I attempt it.
I'm using Oxygen 2.3 ROM RC-6 which supports apps2sd etc.
thanks in advance for any replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The a2sd+ script is built in, it executes at installation. Best way would be to use Titanium to backup ur froyo a2sd apps, wipe+install a2sd+ custom rom, use the option of Titanium, to move to sd.

and how do you want to put data on the ext3 partition ? ... you will need linux, its the best way...

Kneros said:
This post is for people scared of Linux (like me)
I finally found a way to partition a SD-Card under Windows. I tried more tools, but only one was able to work with SD-Cards. Here's what you need to do:
1. Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard (google it, i cant post links)
2. Resize original FAT32 partition to make room for the ext3 one. If you have enough space, the data on the card shouldn't be affected, but make a back-up just in case.
3. Create the ext3 partition on the space made available and apply changes
The first partition should be FAT32, and the second ext3, make sure you have them in this order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT:
Didn't work, SD could not be mounted under Android or Clockworkmod
Did the partitioning under Clockworkmod

partition works, but..
i tried minitool and easueus, both partiotion my 16 gb sd card, but...
I use miui rom, xpart(data2ext). the script works, but the phone is slow as ........
someone any idea?
i also have a 8 gb card, same partitions, but no problem..
any idea how i can tets my 16 gb card?

Minitool is crap. Haven't used easeus but its still under Windows, which is a no no
Gparted is the only decent tool that will nicely partition an ext partition on your sd whilst aligning it properly. This is both my personal and professional opinion.
Now because it doesn't run in windows, its a bit more long winded but so much more worth while.
Virtual machine (vmware player) is the best method. There is a link to a guide to set this up in my signature
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Kneros said:
This post is for people scared of Linux (like me)
I finally found a way to partition a SD-Card under Windows. I tried more tools, but only one was able to work with SD-Cards. Here's what you need to do:
1. Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard (google it, i cant post links)
2. Resize original FAT32 partition to make room for the ext3 one. If you have enough space, the data on the card shouldn't be affected, but make a back-up just in case.
3. Create the ext3 partition on the space made available and apply changes
The first partition should be FAT32, and the second ext3, make sure you have them in this order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minitool partition wizard is a wonderful and practical software. Thanks!!

Related

[Question] SD Card formatting/partitioning guide

I can only assume this has been asked and answered, but I have searched and not been able to fine a suitable post yet...
I want to find a guide to format and partition my (16GB in my case) SD card in the best way for the current/future Desire ROMs
eesmm said:
I can only assume this has been asked and answered, but I have searched and not been able to fine a suitable post yet...
I want to find a guide to format and partition my (16GB in my case) SD card in the best way for the current/future Desire ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Windows to format the sd card to Fat32, after which you can then use Rom Manager (download from market) to create a ext partition (it will shrink the Fat32 partition to make room for the ext partition)
Alternatively, you can do it all in linux and it's pretty straight forward.
For example, Ubuntu (you can download a live version of ubuntu which you can burn to cd or copy to a bootable usb stick) can read the sd card (I just connect the phone whilst in clockworkmod recovery, select mount usb, and voila) and then you can use 'Disk Utility' located in the administrative tools area of Ubuntu to delete the stock partition that comes with most pre-formatted memory cards, create a Fat32 partition (Eg: 15GB) and then create an ext4 partition with the remaining space.
Using Linux is handy for backing up the contents of your ext partition - particularly useful when upgrading from a smaller sd card to a larger one but wanting to keep all your data.
I'm not the greatest at writing instructions and I have no idea if any of the above helps you in any way, but I hope it does!
I would use ROM Manager, but the Max partition size seems to be 512 and i want to make a 2GB partition. I am also unsure of whether the EXT partition (is EXT 3 or EXT4 best) should be primary or secondary, and will the Desire automatically start putting APPs there?
...and and what point do I turn the card back into a Goldcard, if at all necessary?
eesmm said:
I would use ROM Manager, but the Max partition size seems to be 512 and i want to make a 2GB partition. I am also unsure of whether the EXT partition (is EXT 3 or EXT4 best) should be primary or secondary, and will the Desire automatically start putting APPs there?
...and and what point do I turn the card back into a Goldcard, if at all necessary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Gparted is the best partition tool ;-) It can be used as a live CD - which can be booted in virtual box.
2) You'll never need a goldcard, unless you want to go back to stock RUU (ie to send your phone back to get fixed).
3) EXT4 Primary partition
4) The desire will put apps there if the rom has Apps2sd enabled. Most roms these days do, but some require you to install the script yourself. 2gb seems a lot for just apps though.
Simple is better.
I myself have an 8gb sd card and used rom manager to partition it. I did not format my sd card beforehand, just took out the card from the package and put it into my phone.
Checking my appbrain list, i currently have 132 apps with a total size of 344MB.
Using the app Quick System Info:
A2SD storage-- Total: 458MB, Free: 110 MB
Internal storage-- Total: 148MB, Free:63.34 MB
I personally think 512 MB partition is more than enough.
friedkimchi said:
I personally think 512 MB partition is more than enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'd agree with this. I had a 512MB partition - extended it using gparted to 1GB but it really was a pointless activity as I was nowhere near using the 512MB in the first place
Oh well - future proof I guess!
@ OP... What would you need 2GB for? Seems, well, excessive...
BTW, the latest clockworkmod supports partitioning directly in the recovery menu and I believe it will give you the size you want.

[Q] Repartitioning

I've already partitioned my SD Card with Fat 32 and 512mb Ext 3.
The problem I have now is some of the ROM's I like suggest having a 1gb Ext3 or 4 partition. How easy is it to repartition? How do I back up what's on the Ext 3 partition (I'm guessing though that I can't without a Linux OS on my PC)?
xybadog said:
I've already partitioned my SD Card with Fat 32 and 512mb Ext 3.
The problem I have now is some of the ROM's I like suggest having a 1gb Ext3 or 4 partition. How easy is it to repartition? How do I back up what's on the Ext 3 partition (I'm guessing though that I can't without a Linux OS on my PC)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in order to repartition you would have to use some other recovery (AmonRA or newer clockworkmod perhaps) that has the option to make 1GB ext partition.
regarding backup - NANDROID backups SD-EXT, and every recovery has an option of restoring some partos of bacup only (like only sd-ext but i think you dont need that since you want to change ROM) other option is to use a linux os, dont worry you dont have to install it on PC, generally you can run linux from a CD and make changes on EXT as you wish (again i dont know what would you like to do there)
if you dont want to / cant update recovery, download program Gparted LiveCD, and burn it to a CD. it will be bootable, boot it on your PC, then plug phone while in recovery with USB Mass storage enabled, choose the SD card in gparted, and expand your 512mb ext to 1gb ext3/4 partiton (still after the FAT32)
http://www.partitionwizard.com/download.html I'd reccommend using a partition tool from your PC, more reliable in my opinion ^_^
Vid on how to use it:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6vVLbtXJdg
Actually partitioning to EXT under windows cause only problems.
Use gParted or recovery from my signature.
k3lcior said:
Actually partitioning to EXT under windows cause only problems.
Use gParted or recovery from my signature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, we learn something new everyday
k3lcior said:
Actually partitioning to EXT under windows cause only problems.
Use gParted or recovery from my signature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... aint I the lucky one then.
Partitioned 30 times under windows, with MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition, and never had any problems. And I have flashed A LOT!
So that aint all true!!!
Jakedude2011 said:
Well... aint I the lucky one then.
Partitioned 30 times under windows, with MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition, and never had any problems. And I have flashed A LOT!
So that aint all true!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just read forums more often, you'll find numerous people having a bootloop after partitioning under windows.

Partition questions and sd specs.

Please direct me to an idiots guide to SD partitioning...
I have been flashing my desire since the summer. And well i forgot how i initially setup my SD card.
I wanted to treat my self to a new CLASS 10 SD card. But when it came to partitioning the card i got lost.
Is it as simple as using clockworkmod to set partition size to 1-2Gigs? and swap to 0?
With reference to Ext2,ext3 and ext4 are these all multiple partitions? None of these where options within clockwork or rom manager
Anyway i did my partitions using clockwork and installed a new rom i had never used before runnymede. I found performance extremely sluggish and slow. Of course i did 3 new things at once. new card,new partition and new rom... could be one or all these causing me headaches..
Sorry to ramble on. Bottom line:
- Could i be kindly directed to a SD partitioning guide?
- Is the Desire compatible with 2,4, and 10?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016084
[Video Tutorial] Noob Proof Everything Desire Guide UPDATED [04/04/11][Video Tut]
hope it helps.
The class 10 SD card should be OK with your desire.
The people in the know mostly recommend not using ROM Manager to partition SD cards. I would suggest try using GParted.
In terms of ext2, 3, 4 - I would recommend ext 3 for your SD card partition - it is safer than ext 2 partitions.
I would suggest an ext 3 partition size of 1024mb or even 2048mb (that should cover you for most present roms and most future roms).
I am not as knowledgeable as some of the other guys here but I will give you an useful link:
http://www.techcredo.com/android/tu...-for-a2sd-with-gparted-on-a-windows-pc-ext234
I usually create a bootable GParted USB drive and use to partition my SD cards.
I hope that helps,
KKH
I have been trying to create an ext4 partition using GParted. I did all necessary steps - will quickly run thru, just so you know:
1. Burnt ISO and accessed thru boot menu (running XP/SP3, btw)
2. Deleted existing allocation.
3. Created new primary partition as FAT32
4. Allocated "free space following" as 1024
5. Specified the unallocated memory (1024) as ext4.
There was no error in the operation.
However... When I tried to load stuff to the SD card, Windows prompted me to format the card before using. It made no sense but I couldn't do anything. And by formatting it, I lost everything that GPL had done in the first place.
I went over the process again, to no avail.
Does anyone know where I've possibly gone wrong? Please help.
Which recovery are you using?
I had the same issue, vista kept asking me to format SD card before use.
I fixed this by making my first partition in GParted the fat32 and the second partition ext3.
I think windows accesses the first partition by default and is happy with fat32.
If your ext4 was the first partition, windows would ask to format that ext4 in to fat32 before use.
I hope that helps.
thanks i should be good to go now..
TKG26 said:
thanks i should be good to go now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install 4EXT Recovery, you won't ever need a bootable disk to partition your SD card. You'll be able to do it straight from recovery I suggest you to give it a try!
My recovery is 4ext and I used this recovery to make partitions of my class10 sd card.
I also use this recovery to align my partitions.
You can also use the freeware "minitool partition wizard" under win xp instead of gparted.
Good luck.
harm007 said:
You can also use the freeware "minitool partition wizard" under win xp instead of gparted.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the OP uses this tool, he needs more than good luck. It's like rootSU says in his sig: "Don't be lazy and make GParted your first choice...". So please do not trust in windows software which wants to handle linux partitions.
Use rom manager. Simple as that
Sent from my Full Android on Bravo using XDA App
4ext recovery and have not gone back. Does all the dirty work for me.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

[Q] pb99diag missing after partiton resize

Seems I've made a bit of a booboo somewhere. I was recreating the ext3 partition on my sd card. I deleted the existing ext4 partition and resized the fat32 partition to take up the slack left behind. When I checked the partitions afterwards, everything was fine and all my files were present and correct in my fat32 partition. I booted into recovery, formatted all partitions except my fat32 and went to install my rom again. Except I forgot to put it on the sd card. So I copied it back on to my sd card, stuck the card back in the phone, booted into recovery and promptly got a message that pb99diag.zip is missing. I've checked the entire fat32 partition and there's no sign of it. I tried renaming "OTA_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.29.405.5-2.29.405.2_releasedauhl6jhok5cmdm6.zip" to "pb99diag.zip" but it doesn't seem to like it.
How can I get back into recovery without the pb99diag.zip?
found a similar thread: http://www.modaco.com/topic/348778-hboot-looking-for-pb99diagzip-why/
It's because you resized it, I believe it might eventually stop searching for the file and go into recovery, but it's not ideal.
I'd try backing up sd again, and completely reformatting and partitioning again, but using up to date gparted instead.
- Also, why did you need to change from ext4 to ext3? ext4 is marginally faster, most ROMs support ext4.
- And are you trying to install an RUU? In which case you don't need an ext partition at all?
Sorry just trying to understand your overall aim...
- Also, why did you need to change from ext4 to ext3? ext4 is marginally faster, most ROMs support ext4.
- And are you trying to install an RUU? In which case you don't need an ext partition at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had 2 2gb ext partitions, ext3, ext4. I didn't need 2 so deleted 1 and just created a single ext3 partition. I wanted to go back to my PA jb 4.2.2 which was working fine until I used link2sd to free up some more system space but because its sh1t it just completely ballsed up my entire install. I installed an RU and this left me rooted with s-off and it was plain sailing from there to reinstall recovery and flash my custom rom again. I'm using a different sd card now (for testing purposes) but I'm still getting the pb99 errors. As you say, it will eventually allow me into recovery and I can continue what I'm doing but it takes ages and I've never had this issue before.
I'm using MiniTool Partition Wizard Professional to create my partitions.
mickrick said:
I'm using MiniTool Partition Wizard Professional to create my partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's your main problem, do not use MiniTool Partition Wizard. More often than not it creates improperly aligned partitions. Link2SD won't have helped either, it's a messy method and you don't need it with 4.2.2 ROMs, follow the instructions to activate A2SD via terminal commands.
I would backup the FAT32 partition of your sd card, and reformat and repartition the whole thing using gparted. Use this video guide to help
Basically you want to remove all partitions and create one FAT32 partition, and max 2GB ext4 partition. You might as well keep it ext4 over ext3, it should be marginally faster.
Then full wipe and reflash ROM, don't use link2SD.
You should also look to s-off, search for guides, much more powerful, and useful if things go wrong.

Help/Advice regarding partitioning

Hello bros, i just want advice on partitioning. i have a 8 gb SD card and i want to do 3 partitions. one for swap (ram) one for internal (move fixed apps like facebook to sd) and the last one for my normal use pics, music etc. i just want to know that is this possible ?
talalz94 said:
Hello bros, i just want advice on partitioning. i have a 8 gb SD card and i want to do 3 partitions. one for swap (ram) one for internal (move fixed apps like facebook to sd) and the last one for my normal use pics, music etc. i just want to know that is this possible ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easiest way to partition SD card (at least for me) is with twrp recovery: http://techerrata.com/file/twrp2/primou/openrecovery-twrp-2.6.3.0-primou.img
You find "Partition SD" under Advanced
However:
- for swap use Turbo Boost: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2145133 or SwapItOn: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2359182 - so you don't need a partition for swap :highfive:
- best (and fastest) is to leave all apps where they are. Specially if you still have free space. If you're running out of space, OK, move some to SD. Read here: http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...all-apps-internal-memory-external-memory.html and http://forums.androidcentral.com/ge...r-store-my-apps-my-phones-memory-sd-card.html - so, actually, you don't need that partition too :highfive:
bratusm said:
Easiest way to partition SD card (at least for me) is with twrp recovery: http://techerrata.com/file/twrp2/primou/openrecovery-twrp-2.6.3.0-primou.img
You find "Partition SD" under Advanced
However:
- for swap use Turbo Boost: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2145133 or SwapItOn: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2359182 - so you don't need a partition for swap :highfive:
- best (and fastest) is to leave all apps where they are. Specially if you still have free space. If you're running out of space, OK, move some to SD. Read here: http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...all-apps-internal-memory-external-memory.html and http://forums.androidcentral.com/ge...r-store-my-apps-my-phones-memory-sd-card.html - so, actually, you don't need that partition too :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright thanks bro.
so heres what i have decided, i will make partition on sd (for some big apps like games cuz internal is only 800 mb to begin with) using TWRP ...
and use the turbo mod to increase ram (it expands on internal right ?)
what do you say ?
talalz94 said:
alright thanks bro.
so heres what i have decided, i will make partition on sd (for some big apps like games cuz internal is only 800 mb to begin with) using TWRP ...
and use the turbo mod to increase ram (it expands on internal right ?)
what do you say ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I would say, go ahead and try...
If you don't like it, you can uninstall it, change it and do whatever you like... :fingers-crossed:
bratusm said:
Well, I would say, go ahead and try...
If you don't like it, you can uninstall it, change it and do whatever you like... :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey so partition did not worked.
first i tried the twrp recovery method and it showed partition failed several times
then i tried mini tool partition from pc through sd card reader. i could create the first partition the one with out problem. but when attempted the second partition for my internal storaga, it said windows do not support the second partition, i continued never the less but again when i opened link2sd, it did not read my second (ext2) partition instead it read my main one fat32 and it said that it could not link my sd with ext2/3/4 only fat 32 .... any idea whats happening ? and i could not get turbo boost mod, instructions arent clear enough ..
does it have something to do with my custom rom/ kernel ?
talalz94 said:
hey so partition did not worked.
first i tried the twrp recovery method and it showed partition failed several times
then i tried mini tool partition from pc through sd card reader. i could create the first partition the one with out problem. but when attempted the second partition for my internal storaga, it said windows do not support the second partition, i continued never the less but again when i opened link2sd, it did not read my second (ext2) partition instead it read my main one fat32 and it said that it could not link my sd with ext2/3/4 only fat 32 .... any idea whats happening ? and i could not get turbo boost mod, instructions arent clear enough ..
does it have something to do with my custom rom/ kernel ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, like it said on Link2SD app description: You should have two partitions on SD card and both should be primary.
The first FAT partition is your standard SD card storage. The second partition is used for application files and can be ext2, ext3, ext4 or FAT32.
Some phones lack the ext2, ext3 or ext4 file system support and you may get mount errors like "no such device", "invalid argument". These phones need ext2.ko or ext3.ko modules and even some additional modules to be able to mount. Using FAT32 on the second partition will eleminate such problems, because FAT32 is supported on all phones.
Try partitioning on pc using: http://www.easeus.com/partition-manager/ or http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html or some other program, just make partition FAT32
Regarding Turbo Boost: just put zip file on your SD card, install it through TWRP and follow on screen instructions... :fingers-crossed:
bratusm said:
Well, like it said on Link2SD app description: You should have two partitions on SD card and both should be primary.
The first FAT partition is your standard SD card storage. The second partition is used for application files and can be ext2, ext3, ext4 or FAT32.
Some phones lack the ext2, ext3 or ext4 file system support and you may get mount errors like "no such device", "invalid argument". These phones need ext2.ko or ext3.ko modules and even some additional modules to be able to mount. Using FAT32 on the second partition will eleminate such problems, because FAT32 is supported on all phones.
Try partitioning on pc using: http://www.easeus.com/partition-manager/ or http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html or some other program, just make partition FAT32
Regarding Turbo Boost: just put zip file on your SD card, install it through TWRP and follow on screen instructions... :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so i will partition using fat32 for both but how can i link link2sd to one of my partition which i will use for moving apps ( as both will be fat 32 )
talalz94 said:
ok so i will partition using fat32 for both but how can i link link2sd to one of my partition which i will use for moving apps ( as both will be fat 32 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't make both the same size
You can also try partitioning with (just found that app): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sylkat.AParted
mind the volume screen
bratusm said:
Don't make both the same size
You can also try partitioning with (just found that app): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sylkat.AParted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please see the attached file
talalz94 said:
please see the attached file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use settings in link2sd to pick partition that you want. I don't have any other idea, sorry...

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