Hi All,

I currently have debian installed on a dedicated server but want to move to another provider.

The problem is I've invested a lot of time in setting up my box and would like to move the entire operating system (or as much as possible) to the other box.

To clarify I do not have physical access, only remote.

What, if any, is the best way to achieve this?

Shaun

I assume you have ssh remote access--is that right? First, you'll want to configure it to allow root login if it's not already set up to do so. Then, the basic steps you'll want to take are:

1) Print out a copy of /etc/fstab so you can figure out the partitions you will need to duplicate.

2) Set up a local hard drive with the same partition structure (the sizes don't need to be the same).

3) Shut down as many daemons as possible; obviously you need the ssh daemon running, but for example you don't need apache running.

4) Use an sftp client to copy over each partition's data, making sure to preserve file permissions/ownership data.

5) Install the grub bootloader on the local hard drive.

6) Move the local hard drive to be the primary master of the new computer.

7) Boot it up, and run dpkg-reconfigure base-config if necessary to redetect and set up hardware (I take it you're using Debian 3.1; base-config isn't in Debian 4.0).

This is just a broad overview of the steps to take.

Thanks for the response Isaac. It all sounds quite complex. I'm relatively new to Linux but keen to learn. Is the process accomplishable by someone of intermediate ability or would you recommend getting a professional to do this?

Do you know of any tutorials/how to's etc that would give more in depth descriptions of whats involved?

Thanks.

Well, I don't know anything about how to go about hiring a professional to do it. I personally would feel comfortable doing it, but that's probably of little help to you unless you live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The thing which makes your situation more complex is that you only have remote access. There are a number of straightforward ways to copy/clone an OS locally, but if you only have remote access it's going to be more complicated.

Thanks Isaac. Baton Rouge is a bit far away, i'm in Durham England . I guess its time to get my hands dirty or start looking for help locally.

Cheers for your responses.