So moving files around to save space doesn't work in ext4, you will make no more room on the hard drive. In ext4 files are divided throughout the disk and the fields where the data is stored is linked to the original file, so a file can be stored in row 1 field 2, row 3 field 12, etc. This saves space and makes access times shorter since you don't have to search the whole HDD for a file. Here is where defrag comes in and moves the data around so that the data is used in each slot and the empty slots are declared as empty instead of used by this and that file. The problems with NTFS and FAT32 are that the storage is based on data being put in slots and if a files on fills up 15 slots but are assigned 16 slots then one slot will be empty. Then just mount the NTFS on Ubuntu and access the files there.Īn ext4 file system doesn't have the problems with empty slots as NTFS or FAT32. Personally I wouldn't bother to defrag the NTFS partition of the HDD since if you install Ubuntu on the spare part it will only use that amount as a hard drive and the rest will not be affected.
#Idefrag linux how to#
I ask this question to find out how to complete this action I have requested and NOT to complete it using the methods unavailable to me at this time.
I also understand that copying off backup hdd and then copying back will do the same as defrag. I can get an external hard drive, back up the data.
#Idefrag linux full version#
Once this is done I intend to locate which data areas are free (the end of HDD data storage area), create a new partition on this free space, install linux full version and get things working. I intend to defrag this drive using USB linux OS (bootable USB with installation files and 'trial') and any other programs that will enable this task. The working HDD is 130GB full with capacity of 163GB (it is badly fragmented due to excessive use.). I have had a HDD failure in second HDD that is completely FUBAR so have lost my windows installation, this HDD had linux and windows dual boot, HDD is undetectable in BIOS. I note many forum answers are 'you can't' or 'you don't need to on Linux cause it is perfect and wonderful' - none of these answers will help.įirstly, the HDD in question is SATA 163 GB and contains ONLY backup data like music, video and NO windows programs or installations. I state I am asking if it is possible and HOW.