sorry guys, but I recently moved to linux, but I didnt have alot space available so I only made an 1 gig partition (linux Ext2, if im correct). but now I've freed up some space, and wanted to resize it. so I started partition magic 7 (I still have windows 98 on my disk) but it was unable to do anything with the partition... and the partitioning program within Linux (Suse linux 8.1 + kde 3.1) told me not to change anything on an mounted drive, but it is impossible to unmount the drive/partition on which linux is installed, isnt it?

how could I solve this? must I reinstall tha whole shit??? plz... I dont want to

If you have all software needed on bootable floppies (or can run them another way without starting linux) you could use some backup software like Ghost to make a backup on a partition that will remain untouched, delete the partition and free some more space (PartitionMagic will do this), create a new partion and restore from the Ghost image. (I don't know if ghost - and what version - will work with linux partitions, but there's something similar for sure.)

[EDIT=reply to post below]
Easy is fine. I just need the secure'n'fuzzy feeling to have a backup when I mess with partitions. Immagine someone pulls the power cable while a partition is moved.
[/EDIT]

aaah, tnx, thats an good idea. I'll try it... (but if someone knows a easier solution - go ahead!

well, I'll leave it, and delete the current linux partition anyway. there's going to be a new linux version from suse (8.2) which includes KDE 3.1 (i had already *partly* installed it, but it wasnt perfect, cuz im a dumbo ) and other improvements. I know I could upgrade my current version, but I prefer re-installing, so I wont put efforts in my current installation. I can work with it for now, and on 14 april... B)

The utility you are looking for is parted. You will need a bootable floppy to resize your root partition since you cant resize it while it is mounted. Get the image file here

If you are used to a gui like ghost or partition magic you may find parted very cryptic so read the howtos and user manual before you start feeding it commands. I was able to resize my ext3 partition to make room for an xp partition this way so i know it works. Partition magic 8 is supposed to have ext3 support but i dont know how reliable it is. Good luck.

tnx for the help... NOW I knew what I had to do - download KNOPPIX ;-) (www.knoppix.net) that way you can use qtparted or whatever to do anything you want.