gparted: cannot resize ext4 partition

Question

I'm trying to use GParted to resize an ext4 partition on /dev/sda2, and I've been watching a youtube tutorial for that. But my /dev/sda2 cannot be resized. I've tried to change the number but it kept returning to the previous value. I've tried to use cursor but still cannot. when I saw on youtube it could reduce the partition size just shifting dev/sda2. I cannot shift the /dev/sda2 by the cursor and resize that.

Welcome! Note the "keys" icons. To modify partitions they need to be unmounted, and if you are actually using them, that's not possible, unless you do it from a live USB. — schrodingerscatcuriosity, Apr 21 '20 at 23:56
Before changing partitions, always do a proper backup of your data, since it's a risky bussiness. — schrodingerscatcuriosity, Apr 21 '20 at 23:57
REMEMBER TO UNMOUNT. That is exactly what @schrodingerscatcuriosity said above but I only managed to read their first sentence because - squirrel! — Shrout1, Jul 29 '22 at 04:13

score 0 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 12 '20 at 14:37

Make sure that you have a good backup of your important Ubuntu files, as this procedure can corrupt or lose data.

Keep these things in mind:

always start the entire procedure with issuing a swapoff on any mounted swap partitions, and end the entire procedure with issuing a swapon on that same swap partition
a move is done by pointing the mouse pointer at the center of a partition and dragging it left/right with the hand cursor
a resize is done by dragging the left/right side of a partition to the left/right with the directional arrow cursor
if any partition can't be moved/resized graphically, you may have to manually enter the specific required numeric data (don't do this unless I instruct you to)
you begin any move/resize by right-clicking on the partition in the lower pane of the main window, and selecting the desired action from the popup menu, then finishing that action in the new move/resize window

Do the following...

Note: if the procedure doesn't work exactly as I outline, STOP immediately and DO NOT continue.

Note: this assumes an ext4 partition for /dev/sda2, and that you wish to reduce the partition size.

boot to a Ubuntu Live DVD/USB, in “Try Ubuntu” mode
start gparted
resize the right side of /dev/sda2 to the left as far as desired
click the Apply icon

gparted: cannot resize ext4 partition

1 Answers1

Make sure that you have a good backup of your important Ubuntu files, as this procedure can corrupt or lose data.