The post list out the steps to delete a disk partition using fdisk command. Please note the procedure to delete a primary and extended partition is same. For the example in the post we are using the disk /dev/sdc and the partition to be deleted is /dev/sdc1.
Umount the filesystem
Make sure you have umounted the filesystem using the partition to be deleted. To view if the partition is mounted use the below command.
# cat /proc/mounts
To umount the mount point use the below command.
# umount /data
Listing the partition to be deleted
To get a listing of your current partition scheme use “fdisk -/dev/sdc“. Use the print command (p) to list your partition table:
# fdisk /dev/sdc Welcome to fdisk (util-linux 2.23.2). Changes will remain in memory only, until you decide to write them. Be careful before using the write command. Command (m for help): p Disk /dev/sdc: 21.5 GB, 21474836480 bytes, 41943040 sectors Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes Disk label type: dos Disk identifier: 0x085579f4 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System /dev/sdc1 2048 2099199 1048576 83 Linux /dev/sdc2 2099200 4196351 1048576 83 Linux
You can also use the command “fdisk -l” to view all the partitions available on the system.
Deleting the partition
Use the the delete command (d) to delete a partition, it will prompt you for the partition number. For this example we are going to remove /dev/sdc1. So use the number 1 when prompted for partition number to be deleted.
Command (m for help): d Partition number (1,2, default 2): 1 Partition 1 is deleted
Save the partition table and verify
Use the print command (p) to list your partition table again and confirm if the partition 1 is deleted:
Command (m for help): p Disk /dev/sdc: 21.5 GB, 21474836480 bytes, 41943040 sectors Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes Disk label type: dos Disk identifier: 0x085579f4 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System /dev/sdc2 2099200 4196351 1048576 83 Linux
Finally save and exit fdisk with the write/quit command (w). Changes will be permanent after this command is executed.
Command (m for help): w The partition table has been altered! Calling ioctl() to re-read partition table. WARNING: Re-reading the partition table failed with error 16: Device or resource busy. The kernel still uses the old table. The new table will be used at the next reboot or after you run partprobe(8) or kpartx(8) Syncing disks.