I’m trying to install Fedora Server on an existing disk using the custom storage configuration. So I select custom
but on the next screen there is no option to remove existing partitions and given I have no space I’m stuck and can’t add any partitions.
The Automatic option has a tick box to remove partitions which then opens up a dialogue to make space). How can I work this in the custom option?
What happens if you click on the minus button?
Otherwise try the blivet GUI
The minus doesn’t bring up the complete disk layout. Looks like the custom option is pointless unless the disk is new (although this wouldn’t make sense).
Maybe I have to check out the Blivet-GUI
When installing a desktop version such as Fedora Workstation it is easier, as one could start the live session, and with Disks make the necessary changes, before running the Anaconda Installer.
Yea, I was looking for the live server iso. But there is just a DVD iso and the netinstall.
Which do you use @tfmeier … so if there is a error we can report it.
I used the DVD install
Are you suggesting this is a way to get around the fact I cant use a full disk in custom storage configuration. Not sure I understand
I was saying that with Fedora Workstation edition, one gets to a graphical live session, where disk utilities such as GNOME Disks can be used to prepare the needed space (usually as unallocated space) on the disk. Once that is done, the Anaconda Installer can be started, using the Automatic storage configuration setup.
There is no GUI and live session on Fedora Server edition as far as I know, so that is obviously no option here.
I did try to remove a automatic partitioning and this not worked as you mentioned. It seamd same problem with blivet gui.
Every time I removed something it showed up an error and the data was till there.
Just with automatic partitioning and release free data option I could do a reinstall.
Next step would be to see what we already have on tickets about this issue and then report if not available.
Yes, automatic partitioning works but I can’t use that as the root partition is too small.
In my opinion the custom option should bring up the same checkbox to reclaim space
I see that with The Storage Configuration set to Automatic, and the Free up space by removing or shrinking existing partitions checkbox ticked, a window with the option to reclaim free space (delete, shrink partitions) is presented. Is this not what you are looking for? Or is it that you would like to change the default partitioning proposed by Anaconda?
From what I have seen, the Blivet GUI offers advanced partitioning tools. I have tested it only on empty virtual disks, but I think it offers all the necessary tools to adjust space on existing disks.
It seems that only the Custom doeesn’t offer partition shrinking functionalities.
Maybe I didn’t understand
You can actually remove partitions in Custom config.
I think what you are displaying is the possibility to delete the proposed partitions for the new installation, but I understand the OP wants to perform disk operations on already existing partitions, e.g. shrink a partition in order to free up space.
Yes, that’ right @tqcharm. What I’m after is access to the reclaim disk space tool
from the custom selection in Storage Configuration. At the moment it’s only available from the ‘Automatic’ Storage Configuration option which renders it not usable for existing disks with data on it.
I have tried with an an empty disk and the custom option works great. Not sure why this option (access to reclaim disk space) was excluded from ‘Custom’.
Mh, no. Actually I was deleting existing partitons from a previous installation. @tfmeier wants to remove existing partitons and not shrinking them, as far as I can understand.
It is true that an interface like “Reclaim disk space” doesn’t appear, but you can delete existing partitions (thus reclaim disk space) from the custom storage configuration as well.
I ALWAYS use gparted for partition management (add, delete, modify) before installing Linux. If the intent is to add a new Linux partition install gparted if it is not installed in an existing Linux partition.
An alternative would be to boot a SystemRescued USB and use the gparted that is installed.
I guess this is not the point. The OP is relating an issue with the server iso (DVD). This Iso has no Live session.
Please Folks, if you want to help, you have to use the same iso. Removing a partition and release the space. Then do a custom partition sheme and try to reinstall. I tried it and had no succsess!
Because I have had MANY problems when attempting to manage partitions during an install process I sought a proper alternative. After booting a SystemRescued USB, gparted may be used to perform desired partition management ( create, delete, modify ) BEFORE attempting to install Linux. My experience has taught me to find solutions because bugs not triaged as show stoppers will often trigger an invitation to resubmit years later when the related distro has reached EOL.
I do Custom Partitioning → Standard, and delete the /home and root / partitions. I re-add the root / partition so it uses remaining space (don’t specify a size; hit +, type / → Enter). I don’t usually touch anything else (no Blivet, no multiple drives, occasionally set / and /boot to XFS if not ext4). I delete /home to get the traditional everything-on-root layout.
That worked fine for me F41 Server and Workstation (using the Beta image), and all the versions before that at least in the 20s.
That’s what I arrived at as well; i.e. delete partitions prior to the Linux intaller (only needed on disks without free space or full disks). I have used the custom installer fine with my desired partitions on an empty disk