| The Ext2 (second extended) file system is an | | | | The ext2 online utility doesn't modify size of |
| advanced file system for Linux kernel. It is | | | | actual storage device. When you want to enlarge |
| possible to resize the Ext2, while it is mounted. | | | | it, you should expand underlying storage device |
| This is possible using the ext2 online utility. | | | | first. You can do it online for the logical volumes, |
| However, you should always have a complete and | | | | using the lvextend tool that combines files system |
| valid backup of your mission critical data before | | | | resizing and LV extensions. |
| mounting an online or mounted file system. In | | | | The original architecture or design of Ext2 doesn't |
| case anything goes wrong, you may come | | | | provide online resizing option. There are some |
| encounter serious data loss situations, which | | | | limitations to the amount of resizing, that you can |
| requires Linux recovery software to be fixed. | | | | do while your file is mounted. Without any |
| You can resize only the mounted Ext2. In order | | | | preparation, you can resize Ext2 to next 256 MB |
| to use the ext2online utility, you must have Online | | | | range for 1 KB, 2 GB for 2 KB, and 16 GB for 4 |
| ext2 resize support (CONFIG_EXT2_RESIZE) | | | | KB. |
| option enabled in your Linux Kernel. You can | | | | You should always keep in mind that resizing the |
| enable this feature after applying appropriate | | | | mounted file system is integrally risky and causes |
| patch for 2.x kernel series. | | | | corruption. At this point, Linux data recovery |
| The files system, which is specified by the device, | | | | becomes essential. |
| or the mountpoint must be mounted currently. By | | | | Linux recovery is best possible using advanced |
| default, the mounted files system is enlarged to fill | | | | and powerful third-party applications, known as |
| up the device. If you have specified an optional | | | | Ext2 Recovery software. With interactive |
| size parameter, then it uses the specified size | | | | graphical user interface and read-only conduct, |
| instead. If optional modifier is not available, it is | | | | they are totally safe and easy to use in all data |
| taken from Ext2 blocks. | | | | loss situations. |