Skip to main content

How I Use My USB Drive, With Ext3 File System, On Both Linux and Windows

I had an old hard drive I wasn't using so I purchased a USB portable hard drive case and installed it. Initially, I had set it up for Windows, using their NTFS file system. Since then, I build a Linux computer and found I could not write to the removable drive due to Linux / Windows management system. I thought about reformatting my removable drive to Fat32, which can be used with both OS, but there are certain restrictive file constrains with Fat32. I did some Google searching and discovered there is a free program that will allow me to use the Linux Ext3 file system on my Windows machines. I liked the idea of using Ext3 since it was very flexible with file size and is the same file system I have on my Linux computer.


Here is what you will do.


After reformatting the portable drive to Ext3 (I used Gparted in my Mepis system) go to http://www.fs-driver.org, download the executable file on your Windows computer. Before executing the install program, plug in the USB drive. Now start the install program. Once the install program is running, it will open up a window and will allow you to select a drive letter for your USB drive. Just pick a letter and finish the install. It is really easy!


Be sure to read the notes of the program as they will cover some important information. A few things to note: always use the “safely remove device” on your Windows computer (you should have an icon on bottom right task bar, which will start when you attach an external drive). Also, to get to the IFS drive window, should you need it later, go to the Window Control Panel. I had to select the “switch to classic view” on the left side so I could find the icon to get to the IFS program.


So far, this free programs works like a charm and I am able to run the portable hard drive on both Windows and Linux.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Camping at Torreya State Park

Torreya State Park is located about 60 miles west of Tallahassee, Florida in the “Big Bend”. This park is noted for its varied terrain, ranging from hardwood to swamp wetlands and an area we Floridians could call “canyons” (large washed out clay hills). It’s the closest thing we can find around here that is similar to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The park has a nice network of trails to explore. My 13 year old son and I arrived at the park on Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm, the first day of spring. We had made reservations ahead to ensure our sites in the primitive camp areas. Because our region had been receiving abundant amounts of rainfall, we knew the mosquitoes would be in full force. We were not disappointed. We came prepared with plenty of bug repellent.  This trip could be called an "Introduction to Backpacking" for me and my son. We have done car camping, but yearned for a taste of “true” camping. Having enjoyed accumulating our assortment...

Review of Crocs Men's Modi Flip Flops

Review of Crocs Men's Modi Flip Flops As a result of an injury and suffering from Plantar Fasciitis and a heel spur, I needed some comfortable flip flops that offered support and heel comfort.  I previously had some Croc knock-off, slip on shoes and they felt comfortable, so I did some online research, reading reviews about various Croc shoes, and determined that the Croc Modi Flip was highly regarded. I went to my local sports store and tried on half a dozen flip flops to see which were the most comfortable, comparing them to the Modi Flip, and determined I like the Modi the best as they seemed to provide the best comfort for my heel. As an added bonus they have nice foot massage bumps. I first bought size 11 thinking it fit the best, but once at home, sitting and walking in the house, I decided they were a little snug across the top of my foot, so I exchanged them for size 12. They fit perfect, not too tight when sitting in a chair, yet snug enough when walking. ...

STAYC : RUN2U

  STAYC has dropped their new MV "RUN2U" They look gorgeous and sound wonderful. T he video is visually stunning with high quality production . The song is sure to be their next big hit! Be sure to check it out.