ext3 -> reiserfs conversion utility?

ext3 -> reiserfs conversion utility?

[Nick Bartos]

I have a lot of boxes that I am considering migrating to reiserfs that
currently use ext3.

I am wondering if there is any sort of conversion utility that will change
the filesystem in this way.

From what I am reading, everyone just backs up their files and then
reformats & restores the files.

Is there any other way?  I have too many and it would be a huge pain to do
that will all of them.

Re: ext3 -> reiserfs conversion utility?

[Hans Reiser]

Nick Bartos wrote:

>I have a lot of boxes that I am considering migrating to reiserfs that
>currently use ext3.
>
>I am wondering if there is any sort of conversion utility that will change
>the filesystem in this way.
>
>>From what I am reading, everyone just backs up their files and then
>reformats & restores the files.
>
>Is there any other way?  I have too many and it would be a huge pain to do
>that will all of them.
>
>
>  
>
there is a need for someone to fund the completion of convertfs.  Sigh.

Re: ext3 -> reiserfs conversion utility?

[David Masover]

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Nick Bartos wrote:
<snip>
| From what I am reading, everyone just backs up their files and then
| reformats & restores the files.

For any two filesystems, it's highly unlikely that you can just convert
between the two.  I mean, theoretically yes, practically?  There's not
even funding (I think) for a reiser 3-4 conversion.

| Is there any other way?  I have too many and it would be a huge pain to do
| that will all of them.

Do backups.  Now.  You are an idiot and/or a cheapskate if you don't
have backups, because one day something will happen -- probably
something ridiculously stupid -- and you will need them.  I mean, go
build a backup server and, if you can afford it, give it something like
a terabyte raid5 hotplug array.  Do it now.

If you are backing up, I hope I haven't offended you.  In such a case,
it's highly likely that you can restore your backup even using something
like Knoppix.  If you can't, go rethink how you're doing your backups.

In fact, I suggest you fit each of them with cd drives or floppy drives
(cheap ones are fine) and make a custom boot cd or floppy that restores
the backup on boot.  This simplifies the process of changing
filesystems, and also means you can be back up and running in a hurry.

How similar are these boxes, btw?  I bet you can make them all use the
same cd for restoring a backup (getting the id of the machine from its
mac address).  For that matter, you might even set up a net boot server
- -- this makes things simpler, as a change to the backup process couldn't
possibly require burning a bunch of new cds.

With such a system in place, total time to change filesystems is --
install reiserfsprogs, a reiser-enabled kernel, and slight config
changes on the net boot server, then go around and reboot each computer,
manually specifying a net boot.  Or have a net boot floppy, and put a
copy in each computer -- leave it sticking out of the drive when you
don't need it, push it in and reboot for new fs.  Then sit back and wait.

Now, it will still be a huge pain, but probably worth it.  Reiserfs
always seemed a lot faster than ext3 to me.  Reiser4 seems just as much
faster than v3.  And full backup + speedy recovery = good always.

This is sent to the list as generic advice for anyone with multiple boxes.

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Re: ext3 -> reiserfs conversion utility?

[Valdis.Kletnieks]

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On Fri, 18 Jun 2004 23:00:35 CDT, David Masover said:

> Do backups.  Now.  You are an idiot and/or a cheapskate if you don't
> have backups, because one day something will happen -- probably
> something ridiculously stupid -- and you will need them.  I mean, go
> build a backup server and, if you can afford it, give it something like
> a terabyte raid5 hotplug array.  Do it now.

And if possible, don't rely on the fact that raid5 is redundant.  I know
somebody who worked at a dot-com, and a PHB bought a large 2-terabyte RAID5 in
the days when 2T was still "pretty big".  Said PHB refused to buy a separate
backup, since it was hot-swap RAID5.  Friend voiced objections, and PHB gloated
the first 2 times a single disk died and the system automagically rebuilt onto
a hot spare.

Then poetic justice arrived - a plumbing problem on a floor above caused
multiple thousands of gallons to decide the fastest way to ground level was
through the RAID5. Everybody immediately started updating their resumes,
because they *knew* the company was doomed when all their data went away.
Except for the PHB - his resume used to be on the RAID5...;)


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Re: ext3 -> reiserfs conversion utility?

[Hans Reiser]

David Masover wrote:

>
>
> Nick Bartos wrote:
> <snip>
> | From what I am reading, everyone just backs up their files and then
> | reformats & restores the files.
>
> For any two filesystems, it's highly unlikely that you can just convert
> between the two.  I mean, theoretically yes, practically?  There's not
> even funding (I think) for a reiser 3-4 conversion.

No, read about convertfs, it uses loop back file mounting and vfs, and 
it is very clever and elegant.