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On Linux Machine backup current data on Micro SD-Card before using fdisk. If SD-Card is located in /dev/sde use the following fdisk command:

 fdisk /dev/sde


Determine Device Name of SD Card

Replace /dev/sde by appropriate device name. df will help you to identify the device name and size of SD card. Use df to display all mounted storage devices:

 sudo df

Depending on your demands or suggestions in manual, create the number of partitions you need

Partition Ratio SD Card

The following in the ratio 3 to 1 (e.g. 4000000 blocks):

  • FAT32 (3/4 of total size of SD - e.g. blocks 1-3000000)
  • EXT3 (1/4 of total size of SD - e.g. blocks 3000001-4000000)
  • Calculate Blocks for Swap with 256MB for 2GB Mirco-SD Card with 12000 Blocks
 256/2048 * 12000 = 1500 Blocks needed for Swap with size 256MB


Create Partions on SD Card

Use fdisk to create partitions:

 sudo fdisk /dev/sde
  1. -> p Check partitions
  2. -> d -> 1 Delete Partition 1 (repeat for other existing partitions)
  3. -> n -> 1 -> New partition 1 (enter first and last sector)
  4. -> t -> 1 -> c Set c for FAT32 (LBA)
  5. -> a -> 1 Set boot flag for first partition
  6. -> n -> 2 -> New partition 2 (enter first and last sector)
  7. -> t -> 2 -> 83 Set type 83 for Linux partition
  8. -> w Write changes
  9. -> q quit fdisk

Format Micro SD card partitions

After fdisk operations, format both partitions. If SD-Card is located in /dev/sde use the following commands (replace /dev/sde by appropriate device name):

  # mkfs.vfat -v -n and-media -F 32 /dev/sde1
  # mkfs.ext3 -v -L and-data /dev/sde2
  # mkfs.ext2 -v -L SHR-fs /dev/sde2

If you are not root you add sudo in front of the command.

  • -n sets the name of the partition for FAT32
  • -L sets the Label of the partition for ext3/ext2

Disk names are useful to distinguish between the partitions from your linux desktop computer especially for storing installation images, files and folders on the correct partition (e.g. two Android partitions for media and data).

Swap Partition

If you need a swap partition use partition type 82 for Linux Linux partition in fdisk.

-> t -> 2 -> 82 Set type 82 for Linux partition in fdisk

where 2 is the number of the swap partition (replace 2 with the appropriate partition number). Swap partition on a Mirco-SD card is e.g. necessary for QtMoko with Qi and the OpenMobil image.


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