swap file still won't initalize

Forum: HD Install
Topic: swap file still won't initalize
started by: adamsjw2

Posted by adamsjw2 on Jan. 18 2004,02:10

Hi all,
I've set up my swap file with CFDISK to be 250meg, Type 82.
In the fstab I have /dev/hda2 none swap 0 0, but the swap file still isn't working. I've checked this with TOP and with the swap file monitor in the slit.

I found the following on the internet:

dd if=/dev/zero of=/swapfile bs=1M count-100 && chmod 600 /swapfile $$ mkswap /swapfile

I take out my swap file entry in the fstab and substitute
/swapfile none swap swap defaults 0 0

When I reboot the swap file now works, but it doesn't show the 250 meg of the /hda2 partition, but 102209.

First, what do I have to do with get the swapfile to work with my original entry /dev/hda2 none .......etc;

Second what is the dd command doing? How should I change it to use the 250meg partition, if this is the only way to get the swap file on?

Other than that, DSL rocks. Now I'm trying to get dpkg to work so I can install the debian-specific linux driver for my Conexant linmodem---but that will be in another post.
TIA,
Jim
Maysville KY USA

Posted by adamsjw2 on Jan. 18 2004,02:11

Oops......I have DSL installed on my hd.
Jim

Posted by John on Jan. 18 2004,04:03

Adamsjw2, you really don't want swap on compact flash, swap will kill a flash card rather quick. If you are working with flash consider upping the ram instead.

Posted by adamsjw2 on Jan. 18 2004,18:33

Hi John, thanks for your quick and helpful response.
I'm not using compact flash, but dedicated partition on my hard drive. Rather than using dd, I tried
mkswap -c /dev/hda2
swapon /dev/hda2
swapon -s
That appears to have worked as well. Maybe I was working under the misconception that after I created a swap file with cfdisk, that DSL would automatically format it and use it after after hd-install.