very slow deletions on ext3 USB drive

[Chris Jones]

> It would rather depend on what proportion of the files the OP wanted
> to keep.  If he only wanted to keep, say, 10% of the files then Karl's
> suggestion might well have been the best.  Copy off the files to be
> kept, format the drive (which has the benefit of cleaning up the file
> system) and copy them back.  If, however, he wanted to keep 90% then
> maybe the other technique is better.  Certainly Karl's technique does
> not deserve the derision that some are casting on it.

You are correct. Just re-read Karl's post and realized I mis-read it 
slightly. Apologies to Karl, it does make some sense.

Chris