How to Mount a Directory on a Hard Disk in Linux

Mounting a directory on a hard disk in Linux is a common task, and it allows you to access and use the storage space on the disk within your file system. In this guide, we'll walk through the process step by step.

1. Open the system-auth Configuration File

vim /etc/pam.d/system-auth

This command opens the system-auth configuration file in the Vim text editor. You may need to edit this file if you have specific authentication requirements for accessing the mounted directory.

2. Check Disk Space with df

df -h

The df command is used to display information about disk space usage on your system. The -h option makes the output more human-readable by displaying sizes in a more understandable format.

3. List Block Devices with lsblk

lsblk

The lsblk command lists information about block devices (hard disks, SSDs, partitions) on your system. You will need this information to identify the device where you want to mount the directory.

4. Examine File System Information

cat /etc/fstab

This command displays the contents of the /etc/fstab file, which contains information about file systems and their mounting options. You'll use this information to configure your mount point.

5. Edit the /etc/fstab File

vim /etc/fstab

Open the /etc/fstab file for editing in Vim. This file is where you define the mounting points and options for various file systems on your system. You'll add an entry for the directory you want to mount.

Example Entry in /etc/fstab:

/dev/sdX1 /mnt/mydirectory ext4 defaults 0 0

• /dev/sdX1: The block device you want to mount (replace sdX1 with the appropriate device).

• /mnt/mydirectory: The mount point for your directory.

• ext4: The file system type (change it according to your setup).

• defaults: Mount options (you can customize these).

• 0 0: File system check options (usually set to 0 for non-root file systems).

6. Mount All File Systems in /etc/fstab

mount -a

This command shows the location of the mount command, ensuring that it is available on your system.

8. Inspect the mount Command

cat /usr/bin/mount

This command displays the content of the mount command's executable file, which can provide insight into how it works.

By following these steps, you can successfully mount a directory on a hard disk in Linux. Make sure to replace placeholders like /dev/sdX1 and /mnt/mydirectory with the appropriate values for your system. Additionally, exercise caution when modifying system files, and always back up important data before making changes.