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Topic: How-to Convert from EXT4 to BTRFS (Read 1211 times) previous topic - next topic
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How-to Convert from EXT4 to BTRFS

Hi,
I first have to say thank you to our friend tintin (https://forum.artixlinux.org/index.php?action=profile;u=862) who supported my suggestion to make this thread. (our briefe discussion here https://forum.artixlinux.org/index.php/topic,3354.msg22120.html#msg22120)

The reason I suggested to make this thread was that BTRFS and baloo snapshots -on KDE Plasma - didn't play well. Baloo keeps reindexing each snapshot as a separate/additional drive. This caused a few problems:
1- Searching for a specific file in dolphin returns multiple entries for the same file (imagine searching for 5 files having limotux in the filename and you had 10 snapshots you will get 50 results returned)
2- index size keeps growing with each snapshot
3- during indexing the new snapshot the system becomes unresponsive.
That's why I didn't continue using BTRFS.

In the other thread (previous link) tintin came up with a genius idea 8) . I call it genius because I never found anywhere a solution, I even tried other forums.

He simply suggested to make the root partition BTRFS and make the home partition EXT4. WOW!
This way, snapshots will be taken only on the root/system partition and not home folder.
Problem solved in a simple genius way.

So, I started this thread, hoping to get simple steps and commands to copy/paste. I'm hoping for such a how-to step by step because it is a "sensitive" procedure. You can simply lose data, lose the system and reinstall (one of the reasons I'm here is Artix is a rolling release - but I don't mind reinstall and don't care about my data if it includes easier/simpler steps - I don't want to give tintin or anybody hard time or take much time)
I will appreciate whoever comes across this post to go to the other thread (https://forum.artixlinux.org/index.php/topic,3354.msg22120.html#msg22120) and press "Like" for tintin's post, just as appreciation for him and a thank you if you find this subject useful.

Sorry for the lengthy post.
System:  Kernel: 6.4.10-artix1-1 , KDE Plasma 5.27.7, HP Spectre x360 Convertible 13-ae0xx
Dual Core  i7-8550U bits: 64
8 GB Ram - SSD:  (250 GiB), BTRFS

Re: How-to Convert from EXT4 to BTRFS

Reply #1
Quote
I first have to say thank you to our friend tintin
8)

Quote
tintin came up with a genius idea 8) . I call it genius because I never found anywhere a solution, I even tried other forums.

He simply suggested to make the root partition BTRFS and make the home partition EXT4. WOW!
This way, snapshots will be taken only on the root/system partition and not home folder.
Problem solved in a simple genius way.
No, the idea is from VictorBrand:
https://forum.artixlinux.org/index.php/topic,3354.msg21972.html#msg21972


Quote
So, I started this thread, hoping to get simple steps and commands to copy/paste. I'm hoping for such a how-to step by step because it is a "sensitive" procedure. You can simply lose data, lose the system and reinstall ...
I'll let the specialists give you appropriate recommendations, as I don't have a lot of experience with filesystems.



 

Re: How-to Convert from EXT4 to BTRFS

Reply #2
8)
No, the idea is from VictorBrand:
https://forum.artixlinux.org/index.php/topic,3354.msg21972.html#msg21972

I'll let the specialists give you appropriate recommendations, as I don't have a lot of experience with filesystems.
More respect for you for being honest.
I read the post previously and now and as far as I understand he just mentioned he is using BTRFS for the system and EXT4 for home.  So, it is me who was not that smart  ::) to figure out that this configuration sorts out the baloo issues.

By the way I went through https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/btrfs#Ext3/4_to_Btrfs_conversion (Well, seems I'll be back to university and study it as I studied before). It seems to be written for advanced users or developers. Everything detailed and assuming the reader simply knows much more than I know! But I'll try read and learn more. This is the fun!

Even though, I don't have the guts to do it on my own. As you mentioned
Quote
as I don't have a lot of experience with filesystems.
Same here! Such thing is serious and sensitive.
UPDATE:
I have only one physical SSD, default installation default partition (selected use entire disk)
UPDATE2:
I just reinstalled, manual partitioning, 50 GB BTRFD for system, the rest EXT4 for home.
Still I hope we put a simple guide how to "convert" already installed system.
Of course noticed much faster boot time almost half previous boot time with EXT4.
System:  Kernel: 6.4.10-artix1-1 , KDE Plasma 5.27.7, HP Spectre x360 Convertible 13-ae0xx
Dual Core  i7-8550U bits: 64
8 GB Ram - SSD:  (250 GiB), BTRFS