how to convert NTFS to ext4 in windows?

Question

I want to convert one partition of my windows which is NTFS (or can be FAT32) to a linux file system partitioning? I'm looking for some tools or ways to do it for me!

Solution 1

AFAIK, there's no way to convert NTFS to ext4. These two FSs store information in much different way. Maybe what you can do is to move those files somewhere, then format the partition to ext4 and move them back.

Solution 2

Actually there IS a way to do this. But unfortunately, only in Linux.

You could easily convert NTFS to ext2 or ext3 with the software anyconvertfs from anyfs-tools

Then you could convert it to ext4 using tune2fs

Comments

[Admin]

Are there files on this partition?

[hexchain]

@Scott Chamberlain Wouldn't that take too much time to expand partition ...?

[Scott Chamberlain]

Yes, which is why I recommend using a 2nd drive if it is a option, but some people do not have access to a second drive or computer.

[aakpro]

OK how could I do that in windows?

[hexchain]

@aakpro Get a partition software, like Partition Magic.

[Bigbio2002]

This is a great idea... he can boot with a Live CD and perform this.

[Explorer09]

I think it's a very bad idea to suggest a claimed "convert anything" tool to a newbie. He might not even understand the fundamental differences of how Unix filesystems and Windows filesystems work! Does he know the execute bit? Does he know that file hiding work differently and there's no Hidden attribute in Unix/Linux?

[PASAf]

@Explorer09 All he need to know to do this is how to type correct command in Linux (I suppose he knows that if he asking about converting to Linux file system).

[Explorer09]

@PASAf If he knew that already, he won't be bothered to use the tool you suggested and instead properly format a filesystem and copy the files from a backed-up drive. If he wishes in-place conversion, he would better state that explicitly and know all the risks associated with that.

[PASAf]

@Explorer09 I think there is no right solution in this case. In my opinion your solution is not suitable for all situations, because not all people in the world who need to convert NTFS to ext4 have two HDDs: one actually they use and one just in case they suddenly come up with idea to swich to Linux.