Timeshift snapshot

sofasurfer · 05-07-2021, 05:24 PM

The default setting in Timeshift is to exclude /root and /Home directories from the snapshot.

1) If I glitch my system and I restore it with my Timeshift snapshot, why would I not want to also restore the /root directory?

2) If I restore my system does Timeshift overwrite my whole glitched system or does it just replace all changed system files?

3) In other words, since the default is to exclude the /Home directory, will a restore operation work around my /Home directory and leave it intact while restoring my system back to working condition?

berndbausch · 05-07-2021, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofasurfer

1) If I glitch my system and I restore it with my Timeshift snapshot, why would I not want to also restore the /root directory?

Because /root contains nothing that is required for the functioning of the system. It contains root's private files, which you probably don't want to be overwritten.

Quote:

3) In other words, since the default is to exclude the /Home directory, will a restore operation work around my /Home directory and leave it intact while restoring my system back to working condition?

Yes. Same for /root.

syg00 · 05-07-2021, 08:44 PM

When in doubt check what the author has to say.

Quote:

Timeshift is similar to applications like rsnapshot, BackInTime and TimeVault but with different goals. It is designed to protect only system files and settings. User files such as documents, pictures and music are excluded. This ensures that your files remains unchanged when you restore your system to an earlier date. If you need a tool to backup your documents and files please take a look at the excellent BackInTime application which is more configurable and provides options for saving user files.

sofasurfer · 05-08-2021, 12:35 AM

Thanks. One final question...for now. Am I correct in thinking I can restore a snapshot to a different, empty partition (although formatted) and I will have a working system on that partition? I guess this is can a clone?

berndbausch · 05-08-2021, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofasurfer

Thanks. One final question...for now. Am I correct in thinking I can restore a snapshot to a different, empty partition (although formatted) and I will have a working system on that partition? I guess this is can a clone?

From the author:

Quote:

Timeshift protects your system by taking incremental snapshots

"Incremental" means that something would have to be on the partition. For cloning, check out Clonezilla.

remmilou · 05-08-2021, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofasurfer

Thanks. One final question...for now. Am I correct in thinking I can restore a snapshot to a different, empty partition (although formatted) and I will have a working system on that partition? I guess this is can a clone?

Yes. That will work. Tested...
I use this every now and then, to put my system on an external (USB) hdd. I can boot directly from that, in case of disaster.
Bear in mind your settings for /root and /home
I backup /home with Backintime (and exclude /home from Timeshift). When I restore with Timeshift to the USB hdd, then I also restore /home with Backintime.You might have to edit the new /etc/fstab then for your home partition...!!! I use Backintime in root modus. Timeshift will take care for the / partition in fstab. Very elegant.
I even have my system working on a (large) usb stick this way.
Berndbausch suggests Clonezilla. That is certainly a very good advice for hassle free (and much simpler) restoring in case of disaster!