How to convert back Linux ext3 file system to ext2 file system

Posted by Vivek Gite [Last updated: September 24, 2006]

Q. How can I convert back Linux ext3 file system to ext2 under Linux?

A. First use umount command to detach the file system mentioned from the file system hierarchy.

For example, if your partition name is /dev/hda5, type the command:
# umount /dev/hda5

Now change the file system type to ext2 by typing the following command
# tune2fs -O ^has_journal /dev/hda5

Verify that there are no error:
# e2fsck -y /dev/hda5

Mount the file system to original mount point (for example /home or /mnt):
# mount -t ext2 /dev/hda5 /home

Go to mount point and remove .journal file
# rm -f .journal

Please note that you need to replace /dev/hda5 with your actual partition name.

See official Redhat guide for more information.

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