# Convert ext2 to ext3

Note: If you have installed Arch to an ext2 filesystem, it is a good idea to enable the journal and turn it into an ext3 filesystem. Journaling provides a range of benefits.

1. Identify the partition(s) for conversion by inspecting `/etc/fstab` and the output of the mount command

2. Add a journal to the partition(s):

    # tune2fs -j partition

Where partition is `/dev/sda1`, `/dev/hda1`, `/dev/discs/disc0/part1`, etc.

3. Edit `/etc/fstab` and change `ext2` to `ext3` for the partition.

For example:

    /dev/sda3 / ext2 defaults 0 1

becomes:

    /dev/sda3 / ext3 defaults 0 1

4. Add the ext3 module to `/etc/mkinitcpio.conf`:

    MODULES="ext3"

5. Rebuild the initrd image (for a standard kernel):

    # mkinitcpio -p linux

## See also

Migrating from ext3 to ext4

Category:

- File systems