How to Access Linux Partitions on Windows 7

Linux is one of third most popular operating system and widely used after Windows & MAC. It uses Ext2, Ext3 etc. based file system to save the data on its partitions alike from Windows which uses FAT12, FAT16, FAT32 based file system & MAC which uses HFS & HFS+ for the same. You can install Windows & Linux on the same PC to taste the benefits of both operating systems by having dual booting configuration. However, it is not possible to access your Linux partitions while using Windows operating system by default, but Linux features will allow you to access Windows partitions while using Linux.I had come across an amazing tool that will enable you to access & store your Linux data on Windows partitions even you are using Windows. The tool named 'Ext2explore (also called Ext2read) can be used to access data from the Ext3 & Ext4 partitions and allows you to save your Linux data onto Windows partitions hard drive.Wondering about the Steps: Here's HowDownload Ext2explorer from sourceforge.net official website. Downloaded copy will be in zip format, Unzip it and assign a folder name.The folder will contain two files(application file & Text document), right click on the application file named 'ext2explorer' and go to its propertiesNavigate at the bottom of the pop up Windows and check the box right stating 'run this program as an administrator' On the same Windows, Under compatibility mode, chose the current Windows operating system that you are using and click OK Double click on the ext2explorer file to initiate the process, Prompt Windows will ask you to confirm, Click on Yes If everything goes all right, you will be taken to the Window where this program shows all the Linux partitions with its containing files & foldersDouble click on any folders that you want to access, on the right pane you can see the preview of thoseTo store any file, right click on it and select yes A pop up window will open which asks you the path on Windows to save the current files.By using this tool, you can also take advantage of taking backup of all Linux data without switching in between your operating systems and can freely use in the case of inaccessible Linux partitions.Review by Oliver Powell8.0 out of10 based on192ratingGreat Article