----- Original Message -----> From: "Todd Cary" <todd at aristesoftware.com>
> To: "CentOS mailing list" <centos at centos.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 3:34:54 PM
> Subject: [CentOS] Formatting an external USB drive
>
> I have an external USB drive that was formatted with NTFS and I
> want to use it to backup some files from my Centos 5.5 system.
>
> When I check my documentation, I am not certain of the best way
> to do the formatting.
>
> Suggestions welcomed....
>
> Todd
>
> --
> Ariste Software
> Petaluma, CA 94952
>
> http://www.aristesoftware.com
>
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Use fdisk as root. Before plugging the drive in type "fdisk -l" to get
a listing of drives already attached. Plug the drive in and after a minute type
"fdisk -l" to see the new drive listed. It will be something like
/dev/sdX where X is the next letter in the order. to set the drive up type
"fdisk /dev/sdX". To clear the partition table type o and hit return
and then type w and hit return. Now type "fdisk /dev/sdX" again. Type
n and hit return. Type p and hit return. Type 1 and hit return. Hit return twice
more to use the whole disk. Type w and hit return to finish. To format it type
"mkfs.ext3 -L usb-disk /dev/sdX1" and hit return to format the
partition as ext3. Create a directory to mount the disk to "mkdir
/backup-disk" and then mount it "mount LABEL=usb-disk
/backup-disk". To have it auto mount at boot edit the /etc/fstab file and
add.
LABEL=usb-disk /backup-disk ext3 defaults 0 0
David.