How to backup and restore a working Linux System
 

I would like to know if this is a possiblity. I have a perfectly working Linux system right now. Everything is setup,I have all my programs configured correctly and all that. My harddrive is only 5GB and I was thinking of replacing it with a 120. I only have space for one harddrive, and want to keep this is my Linux box. Is there a way to transfer the drive's contents to a new harddrive. And when it starts up..it will be just like the same system. Or will I have to start all over again. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you :)
:newbie:

Hi RedWolf

This site might be of some use?

http://www.partimage.org/

With the Partimage utility you can make a compressed backup of your partitons and then burn them to CD-R.

I'm not sure how this would work in terms of the bootloader - I personally would just install straight onto you new 120 gig drive - Your bootloader will configure appropriately then.

You can copy your install from one hard drive to another, they both need to be in the same box though, you can install a 3.5" hard drive into a 5.25" drive bay with an inexpensive hard drive adapter kit, and I've even gone so far as making a set of brackets out of an old case to add an extra hard drive to a box that had no spare drive bays of any size. Once you get both drives in your computer have a look here for information on how to copy your linux install to the new drive.

" I only have space for one harddrive,"

As a temporary transition measure you can have a hard drive hanging out the case like an external pacemaker on a heart attack patient.