How to merge two ext4 partitions, when there is an unallocated space between them?

Question

I have two ext4 partitions:

• /dev/sda6 is the one on which I have my Ubuntu right now,
• /dev/sda5 is a recently created empty ext4 partition.

How to merge them so the data will not be lost?

Answer 1

Since /dev/sda5 is first in disk order, the order of operations should be:

1. Delete /dev/sda5, so it becomes part of the unallocated space
2. Move /dev/sda6 so its starting point is as much up as possible, which is where /dev/sda5 used to be, so that the unallocated space now follows it
3. Resize /dev/sda6 to the maximum possible so it now includes the whole of the unallocated space.

I suggest first to take a backup image of the whole disk, because even the smallest mistake may destroy it.

One tool you may use is gparted. Boot its Live CD/USB for these operations.

Answer 2

Backup and data in sda6, delete sda6, expand sda5, restore data from deleted sda5 to the newly expanded sda6.

Answer 3

Follow the steps

• go to disks
• unmount your sda5 partition
• click the gear icon (additional partition options)
• click resize and drag the bar till Minimal size and select resize
• now unallocated space is created
• go to gparted and right click sda6 and select resize/move
• drag the bar to the maximum of unallocated space, click resize, ok
• its done, now accept the changes by clicking the green tick mark.