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> I have no idea why an explanation of how to remotely install Linux [mess with partitions] on a machine while running Linux The question was explicitly about

> I have no idea why an explanation of how to remotely install Linux [mess with partitions] on a machine while running Linux The question was explicitly about shrinking the root filesystem without booting a livecd or any other OS. Gparted cannot do that directly because the root filesystem cannot be unmounted, and the appropriate answer for nearly everyone else (boot from a livecd and use gparted) doesn't apply because the question explicitly bars this option.

pbhjpbhj 8y ago
The SO answer creates a root environment and uses `pivot_root`, seems you could "just" duplicate the root filesystem, pivot to that full copy, then unmount the original root and do what you wanted with it?
- kilburn 8y ago
  You can remount the root filesystem elsewhere, but not unmount it while it is still the rootfs. Your suggestion would work but it involves restarting nearly everything and having another partition with enough space to copy everything into. It can be done but is pretty hard in general, so gparted just doesn't support it. If you really want/need to do it, you can do so. Otherwise just use a livecd and make your life easier :)
  - pbhjpbhj 8y ago
    I assumed that the point was it's a remote situation and so mounting a liveUSB would be costly.
    - kilburn 8y ago
      The question explicitly stated that booting another os wasn't an option, so you are right in this case. However, you should avoid being in that situation entirely, which is nowadays very feasible: all modern servers include remote management facilities, and all sensible virtual server providers give you some way or another to boot from a network image (and get a console session through VNC). If your provider doesn't give you these options you should definitely switch providers. Not having this option means that you are always one mistake away from total doom (server won't boot -> you will never ever be able to access it again).

pbhjpbhj 8y ago

The SO answer creates a root environment and uses `pivot_root`, seems you could "just" duplicate the root filesystem, pivot to that full copy, then unmount the original root and do what you wanted with it?

kilburn 8y ago
You can remount the root filesystem elsewhere, but not unmount it while it is still the rootfs. Your suggestion would work but it involves restarting nearly everything and having another partition with enough space to copy everything into. It can be done but is pretty hard in general, so gparted just doesn't support it. If you really want/need to do it, you can do so. Otherwise just use a livecd and make your life easier :)
- pbhjpbhj 8y ago
  I assumed that the point was it's a remote situation and so mounting a liveUSB would be costly.
  - kilburn 8y ago
    The question explicitly stated that booting another os wasn't an option, so you are right in this case. However, you should avoid being in that situation entirely, which is nowadays very feasible: all modern servers include remote management facilities, and all sensible virtual server providers give you some way or another to boot from a network image (and get a console session through VNC). If your provider doesn't give you these options you should definitely switch providers. Not having this option means that you are always one mistake away from total doom (server won't boot -> you will never ever be able to access it again).