restore (1:1 copy) the whole linux on other machine

cccc · 11-21-2008, 06:47 PM

hi

We're using Backup Exec 12.0 For Windows Servers and we have backuped the whole linux (RAID5) using RALUS.

Howto restore (1:1 copy) the whole linux on other machine (the same hardware) ?

Should I setup first a default linux installation and try to restore using Backup Exec ?

What about partitions ?
We would like to have the same partitions on other server.

billymayday · 11-21-2008, 06:58 PM

May not be the best way, but I'd just use dd. See http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ommand-362506/

cccc · 11-21-2008, 07:09 PM

our problem is, we cannot use dd because we cannot stop the server or boot using any bootable software.
we have done a backup on a running system and must restore on other machine.

billymayday · 11-21-2008, 07:12 PM

I've seen posts on people using hot swappable raid disks to do this.

cccc · 11-21-2008, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billymayday

I've seen posts on people using hot swappable raid disks to do this.

there is RAID 5 on both machines.
can use one HD from the running system to clone on other machine ?

billymayday · 11-21-2008, 07:41 PM

I guess since RAID 5 doesn't mirror that it wouldn't work.

billymayday · 11-21-2008, 07:46 PM

This was the thread I was thinking of http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...sk+duplication

lumak · 11-21-2008, 08:56 PM

wasn't 'tar' made for this very task (well at least the backing up aspect)? But of course, you would have to know your portioning schema. Even then you could just back up the portion table. But that takes you back to dd. I thought you could use dd on a mounted drive. Both of these options would probably require a 'rescue' or live cd to get the information onto the new system... but that wouldn't be hard.

Does the disk it self really need to be 1:1?

cccc · 11-22-2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumak

Does the disk it self really need to be 1:1?

yep, it must be cloned 1:1
it's a very important server, we cannot switch off this system or boot using any boot CD.