an ext2 partition saw like a swap partition

[Wolfgang Hubert]

Hello,

recently I heared from the GNU parted software and I installed the version
1.4.11 on one of our PCs with Linux (SuSE 6.4) and I had the same problem
(see subject) as Olivier Gondouin discussed on the Bug-parted web site
(archive january 2001). A "print"-command from hard disk /dev/sda shows
the right information about the partitions, but for /dev/sdb and /dev/sdc
all ext2 partitons are shown as swap partitions although they are really
(!) ext2 partitions.
Concerning this I have 2 questions now:
1) Is it possible to work with such partitions with GNU-parted (e.g.
resize) all the same?
2) In the last mail from the archive about this topic you wrote something
about destroying the linux-swap signature with the "dd"-command or with a
hex editor. Is the "dd"-method applicable in every case and if not what do
I have to do with the hex editor (and where can I find such an editor)?

In addition I have a fundamental question about GNU-parted:
You wrote in the 26-page description "USER" that one have to create a boot
disk for working on the root disk (page 4). But I'm only able to work with 
partitions which are unmounted (the choice of "Ignore" in the 
"Ignore/Cancel"-question on mounted partitions don't work).
In general, should it be possible to e.g. resize mounted partitions?
If yes, could this cause problems?
If not, why a boot disk only "to resize a root or boot partition" (I think
you can't unmount e.g. a /var partition in normal running mode)?

Thanks in advance,
Wolfgang

==========================================
 Wolfgang HUBERT
 Ruhr University Bochum
 Department of Civil Engineering
 Building IC, Room 4/131
 D - 44780 Bochum
 phone : +49 (0)234 32-26150
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 email : address@hidden
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