Program to format and move files around Linux USB from windows


zooburner

I really don't burn zoos !
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HI there

Like most people I experiment with Linux and Linux boot USB's (I use one as an emergency boot for instance), In the past when wanting to edit, format, or send files to these USB boot disks I have had to boot into the environment itself, or use one Linux based boot disk like Parted Magic to use GParted to edit another USB.

Does anyone know of a Windows program that means I can stay within windows and format a Linux boot into Fat32 (or some other Windows format) and or move files around?
 

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Windows does have issues with reformatting Linux drives into FAT32 or NTFS or exFAT, doesn't recognize the Linux format [ext4?]. I keep a Linux Mint computer with a connected Drive Dock available with GPARTED installed just for the purpose of cleaning up/wiping drives. An .iso file can be downloaded to burn the bootable GPARTED LiveCD. My last 2 x 4TB USB drives came as exFAT, package was marked as usable on both PC and Mac, the Mac OS X at the time could read but not write NTFS without third-party software, don't know about the newer macOS.
 

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HI there

Like most people I experiment with Linux and Linux boot USB's (I use one as an emergency boot for instance), In the past when wanting to edit, format, or send files to these USB boot disks I have had to boot into the environment itself, or use one Linux based boot disk like Parted Magic to use GParted to edit another USB.

Does anyone know of a Windows program that means I can stay within windows and format a Linux boot into Fat32 (or some other Windows format) and or move files around?
One way -- use filezilla for accessing files . On the linux system you need to ensure SAMBA is running and also openssh.
Then standard File explorer can access files on linux systems -- or safer is filezilla that uses the sftp protocol. For ntfs read / write you need to ensure package ntfs-3g is installed on Linux (it usually is these days by default in most distros).

For Linux boot within Windows -- for the disk / partition you want to boot Linux from just ensure on your primary boot disk you have created an EFI partition via diskpart. Install Windows IST -- then install Linux and add its boot loader to the windows EFI partition.

When you boot you should see the standard Windows blue boot menu -- just scroll other options and you'll see one GRUB if you want to boot Linux.

For Filezilla simply run it either from Linux or Windows (same interface)

e.g access files from a remote Linux server from within windows :

Screenshot_20220927_135903.png

I don't think though you'll find Windows can create Linux file systems -- you could use the WSL for linux to create using command mkfs.xxx where xxx is the file system you want.

Also another option for accessing Linux files and moving around is use Windows Explorer so long as SAMBA is installed on the remote system.

e.g

Screenshot_20220927_140345.png

That's about it (BTW the linux system shown has files formatted in xfs -- no way windows will be able to create file system xfs.) But WILL be able to create files on the Linux system. However with SAMBA, or Filezilla filles can be created and moved both ways at will -- ensure Windows allows remote access to the machine and sharing enabled and you have the relevant access privileges on the Linux machine.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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One way -- use filezilla for accessing files . On the linux system you need to ensure SAMBA is running and also openssh.
Then standard File explorer can access files on linux systems -- or safer is filezilla that uses the sftp protocol. For ntfs read / write you need to ensure package ntfs-3g is installed on Linux (it usually is these days by default in most distros).

For Linux boot within Windows -- for the disk / partition you want to boot Linux from just ensure on your primary boot disk you have created an EFI partition via diskpart. Install Windows IST -- then install Linux and add its boot loader to the windows EFI partition.

When you boot you should see the standard Windows blue boot menu -- just scroll other options and you'll see one GRUB if you want to boot Linux.

For Filezilla simply run it either from Linux or Windows (same interface)

e.g access files from a remote Linux server from within windows :

View attachment 40532

I don't think though you'll find Windows can create Linux file systems -- you could use the WSL for linux to create using command mkfs.xxx where xxx is the file system you want.

Also another option for accessing Linux files and moving around is use Windows Explorer so long as SAMBA is installed on the remote system.

e.g

View attachment 40533

That's about it (BTW the linux system shown has files formatted in xfs -- no way windows will be able to create file system xfs.) But WILL be able to create files on the Linux system. However with SAMBA, or Filezilla filles can be created and moved both ways at will -- ensure Windows allows remote access to the machine and sharing enabled and you have the relevant access privileges on the Linux machine.

Cheers
jimbo
Thanks Jimbo :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 (Pro)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan Vengeance
    CPU
    i7 8700K
    Motherboard
    ROG Strix Z370F Gaming
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 1070Ti
    Sound Card
    Onboard / Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2450
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1x Samsung 960 ProM=M.2 NVE 250GB
    1x Samsung SSD 860Pro SSD 250GB
    1x WD 2GB Spinner
    PSU
    Corsair 550w
    Case
    Fractual Mesh
    Cooling
    Corsair water cooling H100i v2
    Keyboard
    Microsoft keyboard and mouse combo
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender
Thanks Jimbo :)
For SENDING files to Linux FROM Windows with filezilla you might need to install and enable OPENSSH-SERVER on windows -- it's in the add optional features in settings . Ensure the service is started automatically. For RECEIVING you won't need it.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7

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