kernel / partition question
 

I have a question about kernels...assuming I was going to reload linux with a different partitioning scheme, is there a way to back up the kernel so that after I finish installing it, I can just copy it back over and start using it without having to recompile it with the same options? I know where the kernel is located, I'm just wondering what all has to be backed up aside from the kernel itself (i.e. modules, etc) or if it would even work.

As a side note, does anyone have a recommended partitioning scheme for a 160GB drive? I'll probably save 40-60GB for Winblows, and I'm the only user.

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

back up /boot/vmlinuz, /boot/config and /boot/System.map
and backup /lib/modules/2.?.?/
Are you installing to a new hard drive or repartitioning your existing hard drive. if it's a new drive you may be able to 'migrate' your installation to new partitions and not lose anything at all.

It's to the same drive...I'm mainly reinstalling for 2 reasons...1) I want to have seperate partitions for /home and where I plan on installing software (whether it be /usr/local or /opt...haven't decided) so that I can salvage them when I upgrade, etc (because I usually do fresh installs when I upgrade) and 2) To do a few small changes to the installation.

What is your current partition configuration?

I would backup the kernel source tree (/usr/src/linux) and after new install, I just copy the backup to /usr/src and redo make modules_install and make from the backup kernel directory, then copy System.map and bzImage to /boot, the modules and kernel don't need to be recompiled if you don't make mrproper.

Currently, the only partitions I have are:

/boot - 32 MB
swap - 512 MB
/ - 100 GB



When I installed, I just needed to get a system up and running as fast as possible, so didn't bother to take the time to plan out the partition scheme.

You could reate a new partition in the empty space and 'migrate' your installation there. Then delete that 100GB and create a couple of partitions there for win and other stuff. It's easy to change a partitions type but if you delete one in the middle and try to split it up, the drive numbers will get scrambled. But it can be worked out.
Maybe easier: Your /boot and /swap looks okay to start. If what you want to back up will fit into 512MB, then change your swap partition into a temporary storage area and after redoing the later partitions you can movce this adata back and change the partition back to swap.