Root Partitioning SD Card for EXT3 > 512MB

[flyte]

I want to repartition my SD card from scratch.

Using gparted, I delete all of the partitions, and then I have to delete the partition table before it lets me create 2 partitions.

then:

a) create fat 32 partition (it always has 1 MB of space before the partition - I am unable to get it to 0) partition is primary.

b) create new ext3 partition on remaining unallocated space, it is also a primary partition.

c) let it fly.

d) format each partition (may be a redundant step) to appropriate file system.

When it is done, I simply want to copy my ROM onto the sdcard, but the Desire now reports as the SD card being unreadable and may require a format. When i do so, and then plug the phone into the PC, it looks like there is only 1 big fat 32 partition.. QuickSystemInfo reports the A2SD size as 512 (STILL?? even after the repartion? Do I have to force an update?!?!)

Even after doing the above with a re-flash in between doesn't fix it, AND QSI still reports the A2SD size as 512!!

What is going on?

 

[matttye]

Try using Partition Magic (freeware on PC) or ROM manager (freeware on Android Market)

 

[flyte]

ROM Manager won't let you go higher than 512MB for the ext3 partition.

 

[matttye]

ROM Manager won't let you go higher than 512MB for the ext3 partition.

I thought you wanted to create a 512MB partition but I realise ">" means "greater than" now Yeah, Partition Magic will do that You'll need an SD card reader!

 

[flyte]

I used gparted live CD with the phone connected via USB. Shouldn't that work!? It seems that it is not working for me..

 

[Rastaman-FB]

use gparted do not use other stuff as they dont work as well

 

[flyte]

but the thing is, I did repartition using gparted, but everytime I format so that windows can see the SD card, it is as if the partition didn't occur.

Further, when I flash the rom, QSI reports only 512mb for A2SD+.

So what can cause this this to happen? Is there anything special to see > 512MB?

Why is that ROM Manager works but manual via gparted doesn't work!?

 

[flyte]

SOLVED

Doing all the repartitioning when phone is in clockwork solved it.. slaps forehead.

 

[matttye]

use gparted do not use other stuff as they dont work as well

That's a bit of a sweeping statement. I take it you've used every single alternative to GParted and compared the results then?

SOLVED

Doing all the repartitioning when phone is in clockwork solved it.. slaps forehead.

That's why I suggested using a microsd card reader. The Desire does something weird when you use the "mount as disk drive" option. When I "mount as disk drive" windows sees a FAT32 partition which is the entire size of the card, even though I've got a 1GB EXT3 partition on there.

 

[SUroot]

That's a bit of a sweeping statement. I take it you've used every single alternative to GParted and compared the results then?

If he is anything like me, then yes he probably has.

In my professional opinion, of the free applications (particularly windows based) this is a generally true.

There may be the odd one that works, but since EXT is not a windows native file system, it is always going to be better to format in a linux based environment, eg Gparted.

 

[Rastaman-FB]

That's a bit of a sweeping statement. I take it you've used every single alternative to GParted and compared the results then?




That's why I suggested using a microsd card reader. The Desire does something weird when you use the "mount as disk drive" option. When I "mount as disk drive" windows sees a FAT32 partition which is the entire size of the card, even though I've got a 1GB EXT3 partition on there.

now now,
i work within IT, i use alot of tools and come across alot of free stuff used for partitioning. most of it is utter dog and causes more harm then good
christ partition magic which is paid for even causes more harm then good and the ones i use do not format the non windows native formats very well.

gparted live is not really "a program" its a tool within linux, the gparted live cd is a super small linux distro with gparted/terminal access only.
this means you are using a native os tool to create partitions that is supported and respected industry wide.

Id sooner trust something that is built into an os that androids tree is part of than use some free or cheep application that can cause you more harm than good.

theres a reason why you can use a linux live cd to recover windows

btw im primarily a windows user so its not bias that does this

 

[matttye]

If he is anything like me, then yes he probably has.

In my professional opinion, of the free applications (particularly windows based) this is a generally true.

There may be the odd one that works, but since EXT is not a windows native file system, it is always going to be better to format in a linux based environment, eg Gparted.

now now,
i work within IT, i use alot of tools and come across alot of free stuff used for partitioning. most of it is utter dog and causes more harm then good
christ partition magic which is paid for even causes more harm then good and the ones i use do not format the non windows native formats very well.

gparted live is not really "a program" its a tool within linux, the gparted live cd is a super small linux distro with gparted/terminal access only.
this means you are using a native os tool to create partitions that is supported and respected industry wide.

Id sooner trust something that is built into an os that androids tree is part of than use some free or cheep application that can cause you more harm than good.

theres a reason why you can use a linux live cd to recover windows

btw im primarily a windows user so its not bias that does this

I said "Partition Magic" up there ^^ but I actually use "Partition Wizard" which has given me no problems so far. I'll keep an eye out for problems though and if I get any I'll try GParted, thanks guys

 

[SUroot]

It really is a good tool and as you boot into it, it cuts Windows out all together

 

[flyte]

So after my repartition, did the SDCard remain a gold card? I remember Danfrance referenced a thread indicating that wiping an SD Card didn't take away the gold-card-ness... but what about after a re-partition?

 

[SUroot]

Same but someone would need to prove it

 

[InfernalByte]

I said "Partition Magic" up there ^^ but I actually use "Partition Wizard" which has given me no problems so far. I'll keep an eye out for problems though and if I get any I'll try GParted, thanks guys

Install something like Ubuntu onto a 4gb USB and make it bootable. You'll never need Windows again! Except you prolly will as you just said yous works in IT.

Yes, I am bias.



EDIT: Poop. I quoted the wrong person. That was meant for you Rastaman.

 

[flyte]

gparted live cd, which can be installed into a USB drive, is only 200 MBs.

 

[Rastaman-FB]

Install something like Ubuntu onto a 4gb USB and make it bootable. You'll never need Windows again! Except you prolly will as you just said yous works in IT.

Yes, I am bias.



EDIT: Poop. I quoted the wrong person. That was meant for you Rastaman.

im also a gamer and use steam to access my games

 

[SUroot]

Say what you like about windows and its short comings, but I love it

 

[InfernalByte]

gparted live cd, which can be installed into a USB drive, is only 200 MBs.

The whole Ubuntu unzipped is only 1Gb (Windows takes about 12Gb), that's the desktop environment, Open Office, Rhythmbox, all the drivers and utilities, the lot, just put it into a USB drive and press the on button. Not forgetting all the free goodies in the Repos. Linux is free, equivelent Windows package

 

[Rastaman-FB]

not really. lets get off this argument but each serves purpose for valid reasons
when 95% of businesses and offices default operating systems and bespoke packages are windows or designed for windows its hardly dead it the water

linux is good, i like it. most people with a brain like it but lets not get ahead of ourselves

 

[anujvir]

Okay here is the deal.
I have had lots of experience i gather since yesterday in this never ending field of Partitioning SD Card.
I have HTC Desire : ROM- LeeDroid 2.2f
1. Using ROM Manager : It is probably the easiest way to partition SD Card. There are loads of instructions.. some probably on this thread.
Points to remember : You can not exceed 512 MB of Ext 3 partition using ROM manager. Please detach the USB cable when you format the SD card.
2. Using Third Party partitioner on windows : If you want to create a partition of more than 512MB then go for this.I went mental trying to format my sd card and making partition when it was connected as a disc drive to my PC. Please note that in this case the Partitioner will not allow you to delete the SD card only reformat it into Fat 32. It will consisder your card as Primary partition. You need to use a Card reader to perform a format and create partitons.

I have not used any other means to format my SD Card. I think the both the ones listed above are more than apt to comply with your demands. Some people may use Amo ra or GParted. But thats up to you.

 

[kewlbuddy]

I too used Minitool Partition wizard in windows to make an ext3 partition using card reader

 

[SUroot]

Its not a very good tool that. And its not a good idea to create ext partitions using windows either in my opinion

 

[kewlbuddy]

Its not a very good tool that. And its not a good idea to create ext partitions using windows either in my opinion

started rooting and ran out of empty cd (for gparted), so gave a try with this minitool and fortunately it worked

my app2sd is already less than half size after installing many apps

Is there any good cache cleaner app? before rooting I used app2sd to clean cache