Read/write access to Linux partitions from Windows

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Read/write access to Linux partitions from Windows

By Martin English | January 2, 2008

I read today on Hackzine about a freeware tool called Linux Reader. It provides you with read access to ext2/ext3 partitions within Windows and has an explorer-like interface that allows you to drag and drop files from a standard Linux partition.

For full read/write access, there is another freeware utility called Ext2 IFS that provides full write access. It’s is essentially a kernel ext2/ext3 filesystem driver for Windows, which allows the operating system to access your Linux partitions in a more native manner.

After installing, you can mount your Linux partition under a drive letter, just like you would an NTFS partition. The drive will be available in Explorer and within any file browser dialog in your favorite Windows applications.

Both packages appear to ignore the permission settings on files, so you’ll have full access to files across the entire partition.
Note: LVM volumes are not supported by the Ext2 IFS driver (and I’m assuming the same is true for Linux Reader).
ReiserFS, XFS and other filesystems are also not supported.

For an ordinary dual-boot system with an ext3 partition, however, you should have no problem accessing your Linux files from within Windows.

Ext2 Installable File System For Windows - Link

Linux Reader - Link

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