converting existing directory to zfs dataset

[vicente95650]

My intent was to create a dataset named winshare3 under an existing dataset named datapool3 and then to share, via SAMBA, the dataset winshare3 but I used a wrong process.

I created an SMB share with path /mnt/datapool3/winshare3 . I thought (mistakenly) that a dataset named winshare3 would be created under datapool3. A directory winshare3 was created instead.

In an attempt to achieve my original intent, I deleted the share and of course the directory remained. I then tried creating a dataset named winshare3 underneath the dataset datapool3 but I am told (in red letters) that "the path already exists".

What process, other than deleting the directory /mnt/datapool3/winshare3 and starting over , would you recommend to achieve my original intent?

 

[anodos]

My intent was to create a dataset named winshare3 under an existing dataset named datapool3 and then to share, via SAMBA, the dataset winshare3 but I used a wrong process.

I created an SMB share with path /mnt/datapool3/winshare3 . I thought (mistakenly) that a dataset named winshare3 would be created under datapool3. A directory winshare3 was created instead.

In an attempt to achieve my original intent, I deleted the share and of course the directory remained. I then tried creating a dataset named winshare3 underneath the dataset datapool3 but I am told (in red letters) that "the path already exists".

What process, other than deleting the directory /mnt/datapool3/winshare3 and starting over , would you recommend to achieve my original intent?

Open the CLI and type rmdir /mnt/datapool3/winshare3
The command won't work if there are files / subdirectories in there. In this case, you'll want to make sure you don't have anything valuable there, then 'rm -rf' the directory. rm -rf /mnt/datapool3/winshare3. It is VERY important to type out the path exactly. Putting an extra space in there can have unintended (bad) consequences.

 

[vicente95650]

I do have data in /mnt/datapool3/winshare3; that is why I was hoping for some method of "converting" rather than deleting the directory and starting all over?
I assume you are saying that I have no choice but to delete the directory before I can create a dataset named winshare3?

If there is no way then I will create a dataset /mnt/datapool3/winshare4 and then move the data from winshare3 to winshare4 and then delete the directory winshare3. Maybe I can then rename the dataset from winshare4 to winshare3 if need to?

 

[anodos]

I do have data in /mnt/datapool3/winshare3; that is why I was hoping for some method of "converting" rather than deleting the directory and starting all over?
I assume you are saying that I have no choice but to delete the directory before I can create a dataset named winshare3?

If there is no way then I will create a dataset /mnt/datapool3/winshare4 and then move the data from winshare3 to winshare4 and then delete the directory winshare3. Maybe I can then rename the dataset from winshare4 to winshare3 if need to?

Well, you can just use mv to rename winshare3.

https://www.freebsd.org/cgi/man.cgi?query=mv&sektion=1

 

[Ericloewe]

If you have a folder foldername and want a dataset foldername, you can create a dataset differentname, move everything over, then rm -rf ./pathto/foldername and finally rename the dataset to foldername.

 

[vicente95650]

If you have a folder foldername and want a dataset foldername, you can create a dataset differentname, move everything over, then rm -rf ./pathto/foldername and finally rename the dataset to foldername.

I will use this method. Thanks.

 

[melloa]

... and finally rename the dataset to foldername.

zfs rename old_name new_name ?

 

[vicente95650]

zfs rename old_name new_name ?

Yes, I wonder that too since, in the FreeNas GUI , I see no way to rename a dataset; I have been warned against making changes behind the GUI.

 

[melloa]

Yes, I wonder that too since, in the FreeNas GUI , I see no way to rename a dataset; I have been warned against making changes behind the GUI.

I didn't know that until read Eric's post. I was on a situation that after rsync 6 TiB noticed datasets weren't created, so did it my way, the long Mello's way, to get the data moved to the datasets like I wanted. That above will save me couple days moving-data-work ... learning one post at a time!

 

[Stux]

Yes, I wonder that too since, in the FreeNas GUI , I see no way to rename a dataset; I have been warned against making changes behind the GUI.

It does work from the CLI. FN GUI is not so happy but it does recover.

 

[Ericloewe]

Meh, export the pool and reimport it and FreeNAS will manage. Redo share paths and similar things and she'll be right.

 

[danb35]

Wouldn't it be easier to rename the directory first, then create a dataset of the desired name, then move the contents of the directory into the dataset? No potential for GUI confusion in that case.

 

[Ericloewe]

Wouldn't it be easier to rename the directory first, then create a dataset of the desired name, then move the contents of the directory into the dataset? No potential for GUI confusion in that case.

I guess, but paths will probably have to be redone in either case.

 

[melloa]

Wouldn't it be easier to rename the directory first, then create a dataset of the desired name, then move the contents of the directory into the dataset? No potential for GUI confusion in that case.

I thought doing that, but was afraid mv would change permissions to the user running it (root in the case), changing permissions for datasets owned by other users, so user rsync which took a looooooong time :)

Would mv work?

 

[danb35]

I thought doing that, but was afraid mv would change permissions to the user running it (root in the case),

Nope, it won't change ownership or permissions.

 

[melloa]

Nope, it won't change ownership or permissions.

Great ... mv it is on my next test :)