Windows 10: How to delete contents of a Linux formatted external disk?

I just want to delete the files only. The Linux filesystem to remain in place (EXT3). Just wanted to free up space. It is a simple 750GB WD external drive, nothing with NAS or what.
Am aware of the 10 days limitation of the Paragon software, then again, in case of need, the 20 dollar for the 'full' (no limit) version,
well, that definitely is too much to ask.
Note that ExtFS has been followed up by Linux File Systems for Windows.

 

Is it possible to make this HDD part of your home network (networked TV set)? My HDD, ext4 formatted and connected to the Raspberry Pi, is accessible with my Windows PC and I can transfer and delete files on it.

 

Another possibility is formatting the disk (all data disappear!) twice. First, inserting the disk in the PC, Windows asks for formatting. After formatting, you have access to the disk. Then use Minitool Partition Manager (free). With this program you can also format in ext2, 3 or 4.

 

Hi there

@tfwul

just download a "LIVE CD" version of any Linux -- use RUFUS to make the iso bootable on a USB stick.

I'd go for this CENTOS version of LIVE CD (job's already done so you don't need to create a live CD from a standard Distro).

Index of /rolling/7/isos/x86_64

there's a longish list but choose this one : CENTOS-7_x86_64-LiveKDE.iso

Use RUFUS to create a bootable USB from the .iso file and boot it.

When it boots (won't need any user ID or anything else) simply insert your Linux Disk into a spare USB port .

Run File manager from the GUI screen (KDE) - program called dolphin = works pretty much like Windows file explorer / manager and delete your files. KDE is almost Windows like so you should have no trouble in using it.

If you do need to re-format your Linux disk then run the command from console (terminal) program :
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdx where sdx is the Linux disk you inserted.

Cheers
jimbo

 

Com'on guys!

Don't you guys read through the threads BEFORE you reply? ...obviously NOT!

This thread seems to be filled with double posts, talking same topics over and over. The OP already declared the Linux on a stick (he actually tried it and it failed with not having root permissions and is beyond the OPs skill level) and formatting the drive non options as solutions for his issue (which by the way has already been suggested a few times). *Smile

 

I wanted to emphasize this!

Since constantly unplugging and re-plugging the drive is generally a bad idea in the long run, we should take a look at other viable options.

If the device can be networked, then it would solve all the issues in one go.

• No need to plug and un-plug the drive
• You could transfer the recordings over the local network to/from any device in the same network
• You could delete the files, that are already backed up, from the HDD over the network
• Networking would solve the root permission issue, since the recorder is the owner of the files and filesystem.

Please let us know if it is possible to network connect the device and if you want to try this route also.

 

@jimbo45 - thanks for the Rufus solution. I tried that as well now.
Linux started alright and I could launch the Explorer (Dolphin).
However, same as with 'LinuxLive USB Creator', using Linux Mint, see a little earlier in the thread, I had no access rights.
Delete was impossible.

Ownership: user and group: 'root.
Vainly tried to figure out how I could change that.
(screenshot is a part of a photo I made, horrible quality, I admit)

'

 

Sorry, it is a standalone (old) recorder (tv setup box) , there is no option to make it a network device: it has no network connector. The only way to get recordings from the disc is by copying it.

Still, even though this is an old device, I should be 'lucky': I have a newer setup box, connected to fiber, but the provider has disabled the USB connector, i.e. there is no way to save recordings to an external harddisk, so I can edit it (removing commercials, etc). The old setup box is my own, the new setup box is provided by my ISP (providing TV, Internet and phone).
The old setup box is connected to conventional coaxial cable.

 

Alright! So playing with Linux and the USB drive it is then. *Smile

Can you manage to open a Terminal Window (similar to Command Prompt in Windows) in your Linux distribution?

Next you should navigate to /mnt or /media:
Code: cd /mnt[/quote] List the directories there with this command:
Code: ls[/quote] If I am correct should see two entries sda1 and sdb1. sdb1 should be your HDD. Navigate into it with this command:
Code: cd sdb1[/quote] List all files again to verify you are in correct location:
Code: ls[/quote] Now comes the interesting part. We will modify the file permissions with this command:
Code: sudo chmod 666 /mnt/sdb1/*[/quote] When asked for a password, just press enter. If empty password fails, then we need one more command:
Code: sudo passwd[/quote] Give any password you want.

Now re-run this command:
Code: sudo chmod 666 /mnt/sdb1/*[/quote] Now you should have full permissions to do whatever you like for the video files using Dolphin.


Please let me know if you ran into some issues.

 

Dear friends, Out of curiosity..., could it be that this booting from Linux USB affects the system time?
Reason for asking is that yesterday and today the system time is 1 hour behind...
Time zone is correctly set, computer is set to automatically synchronise with time.windows.com.
After 'update now' - in Internet Time Settings, they time is re-set and is reading correctly again.

I wonder though whether this booting from USB is doing something with the time - I hardly ever face this issue.

thanks

 

Yes. Linux can set BIOS time differently.

 

Yes. If you dual boot with Windows/Linux you should set Windows to use UTC.

From a (Windows) elevated command prompt: Code: reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation" /v RealTimeIsUniversal /d 1 /t REG_DWORD /f[/quote] See Time - ArchWiki

 

Thanks.
Right now, when checking Date & Time settings, they are set to UTC+01:00, rightfully so.
Assume I don't need to do anything else now.
Really no offense meant, but .. is it safe to apply the above registry key? I mean, I won't mess up the current settings then?

Assume the registry key only serves to reset the time to the correct one, after use of Linux and then rebooting back to Windows?
-

 

Yes it is a safe command. It just adds an entry to your Windows registry, telling it that the Real Time Clock (BIOS clock) is set to UTC. Helps calculate the correct time in Windows. You only need to apply the registry key once.

This must be done since Linux likes to manipulate the RTC if it's "wrong".

 

Which one is done? The REG patch, the Linux file permissions or both?