A method for creating a second file system on a device implementing a first file system is provided. One or more first files are selected from a set of files. The files comprise one or more characteristics particular to the second file system. One or more ancestors of the first files are selected automatically. The ancestors comprise one or more characteristics particular to the second file system. Based on the first files and the ancestors, data is generated to emulate one or more of the first files and the ancestors (and/or characteristics of one or more of the first files and the ancestors) that the first file system does not support. A file system comprising the first files, ancestors, and the data is generated.