migrate /var to a smaller filesystem

[kholikt]

As the /var was created so big and I do not have onlineJFS. I was thinking of migrating the /var filesystem to a smaller size. I have another LV as named is as lvolvar and mount under /vartmp.

What is the best way to copy everything from /var filesystem over to /vartmp filesystem and ensure that permission and modification date should be the same.

[Franky_1]

Hi Kholikt,

you can use the following command :

cd /var
tar cfv - .|(cd /vartmp; tar xfv -)
Under user "root" the date and permissions are kept the same

HTH

Franky

[Michael Tully · Accepted solution]

Whatever way you choose to do it, you'll have to reboot your server in any case. Have new lv mounted.

cd /var
find . | cpio -pdumv /newdir

Reboot the system after changing the /etc/fstab file.

[Michael Tully]

Whatever way you choose to do it, you'll have to reboot your server in any case. Have new lv mounted.

cd /var
find . | cpio -pdumv /newdir

Reboot the system after changing the /etc/fstab file to reflect new lv to mount as /var

[florence mathon lermusi]

i will add that it's better to do it in a single user mode or in a maintenance level mode...

[Michael Tully]

Just as a caveat why would you want to reduce the size of /var anyway?

How big is it now?

Remember that /var is used for a number of things, like storing superceded patches, and of course by default your crash dump area. Please consider these points before doing anything.

[florence mathon lermusi]

don't forge also that /var must have contiguous extents...

[MarkSyder]

Another word of caution:

Unless your system only has one disc, it is recommended to leave vg00 solely for operating system stuff.

I would not even contemplate reducing /var unless you need to free disc space for another operating system filesystem.

Mark Syder (like the drink but spelt different)