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Alex R
Asked: 2015-08-25 19:45:47 +0800 CST

Transfer whole Linux system and grub settings to 2nd drive?

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I have system partition on /dev/xvda1 (slow disk) and just added SSD attached as /dev/xvdb.

How to fully transfer Linux system to /dev/xvdb and retire /dev/xvda1 without using the console?

  1. Transfer all the files - should I use tar or cpio?
  2. Reconfigure grub - I found some instructions telling me to edit /etc/default/grub, but this doesn't set the root device anywhere. What gives?

Anything else needed?

linux

2 Answers

  1. The easiest way to do this is to use a cloning tool like Clonezilla. All you have to do is to boot form the CD and follow the instructions. It does require some basic understanding of the anatomy of your system, but all-in-all it is the easiest way to do it. All files will be transferred, as well as GRUB. The partitions will be resized accordingly.

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  2. I would check out rsync.

    I would also recommend using a virtualization suite if you are going to move. That will make life a lot simpler for the future.

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