LinuxQuestions.org
Download your favorite Linux distribution at LQ ISO.
Home Forums Tutorials Articles Register
Go Back   LinuxQuestions.org > Forums > Non-*NIX Forums > General
User Name
Password
General This forum is for non-technical general discussion which can include both Linux and non-Linux topics. Have fun!

Notices


Reply
  Search this Thread
Old 01-27-2010, 11:41 AM   #1
SigTerm
Member
 
Registered: Dec 2009
Distribution: Slackware 12.2
Posts: 379

Rep: Reputation: 234Reputation: 234Reputation: 234
Question [SOLVED] Linux HDD backup under windows - looking for backup utility


Hello.

I'm looking for a simple free(as in beer) Windows CLI utility that would allow me to copy linux hdd (entire hdd, not just one partition) into file and write from file to that hdd.

OR

I'm looking for a way to redirect stdout into physical disk under the windows/redirect physical disk data into stdin. This might be possible since CreateFile allows writing into physical hdd directly, but copy /b "\\.\PhysicalDrive1" 1.bin doesn't work (returns "incorrect function").

Why I need it:
Want to try freebsd, need to backup existing slackware linux hdd in case I won't like freebsd. And no, I don't want to use virtual machine.

Additional info/requirements:
0) Utility should be free. As in "Free Beer".
1) Utility should work directly under WinXP without extra bootable mediums. Anything bootable is bound to use ntfs-3g and it has/had(?) couple of problem when it comes to writing large files.
2) Should be able to read entire physical disk, not just partition. Because entire linux system is placed onto separate physical harddrive, this shouldn't be a problem.
3) CLI utility preferred. I don't need flashy gui (I hate gui), just need something simple as hammer, without any additional features. Something like dd, perhaps, or something simpler, like "cat" with ability to read data from physical disks.
4) tar backup is not an option - need entire hdd backuped along with partition table.
5) making backup under linux won't work either - bootable CDs/DVDs I have now don't have any ntfs mount write support AND ntfs-3g has a huge problem with writing large files (will slow down to a crawl with high cpu usage), and it is not good idea to read raw data from mounted filesystem.
6) Already tried google, and (as it is always with windows software) got large amount of ****ty commercial/shareware utilities that try to compete with each other and have more functionality than I need. So I'm looking for advice. (And yes, I'm familiar with "How to ask questions smart way".)
7) Writing utility myself is not a good idea - although I can do it, I'll probably destroy my hdd data as a result of early software bug or typo.

So, any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by SigTerm; 01-27-2010 at 11:53 AM.
 
Old 01-27-2010, 11:54 AM   #2
SigTerm
Member
 
Registered: Dec 2009
Distribution: Slackware 12.2
Posts: 379

Original Poster
Rep: Reputation: 234Reputation: 234Reputation: 234
Nevermind, found dd for windows, looks like what I was looking for.
Thread can be closed.
 
  


Reply



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off



Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Windows Backup Software (diff backup without archive bit) nkhajanchi.mg@gmail.com Linux - Software 4 09-09-2009 09:29 AM
LXer: Linux Product Insider: Memopal Online Backup Utility LXer Syndicated Linux News 0 08-30-2008 10:41 AM
copying windows xp via a hdd backup to linux dj2187 General 11 12-15-2006 05:26 PM
backup utility for Red hat Linux natarajk Linux - General 1 02-19-2006 05:55 AM

LinuxQuestions.org > Forums > Non-*NIX Forums > General

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:03 PM.

Main Menu
Advertisement
My LQ
Write for LQ
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute content, let us know.
Main Menu
Syndicate
RSS1  Latest Threads
RSS1  LQ News
Twitter: @linuxquestions
Open Source Consulting | Domain Registration