[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread] 

List:       linux-thinkpad
Subject:    Re: [ltp] swap problem (!)
From:       Matthias Posseldt <matthi () gmx ! li>
Date:       2005-03-27 13:38:42
Message-ID: 200503271538.42839.matthi () gmx ! li
[Download RAW message or body]

On Friday 25 March 2005 17:21, Leo Gürtler wrote:
> is it possible to reverse something stupid like
>
> mkswap /dev/hdx
>
> on a ext3 filesystem?

It may be possible if you didn't use the swap partition yet. First do a 
complete backup of your partition (dd if=/dev/hdx of=somelargefile.img) 
and then operate on this image to try to restore your data on the 
partition.

Ext3 contains some superblocks which are entry points to the directory 
structure. If one of them is destroyed, it is possible to use a 
different superblock to restore the filesystem. That can be done with 
fsck.ext3. Read the manual pages and the documentation on the internet 
for further information.

And, that is most important, be very careful when booting rescue CDs and 
the like. They almost always activate the swap partitions and use them. 
That will destroy your data. So boot these CDs with a "noswap" option 
or the like.

Regards,
Matthias

-- 
There is still the danger of EU software patents!

http://swpat.ffii.org/

[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread]