Topic: Network Clone

[derekb]

Hi All

I have had some issues with my SME server (from affa not backing up to a drive larger than 2tb to the kernel not wanting to boot into the latest version).

For this i have decided to now redo the system on new hardware but im struggling to clone my configuration and file over my network. it does some of the basic configuration but all the emails and files does not transfer.

Can anyone maybe assist with this? i have gone through all the help in contribs but my head is against a wall now.

Kind regards

[TerryF]

What backup are you attempting?

[derekb]

Hi Terry

Sorry for the late reply.

I don't want to make a backup. I want transfer all the information from one server to another in order to upgrade the hardware. i have previously attempted this with affa but it didnt transfer all the files.

Kind regards

[TerryF]

Then why not do it the simplest way, back to desktop, include any extras dirs you are using, like opt.

Install a clean SME8, restore the backup, install any and all contribs you were using..

[derekb]

Thanks for the suggestion - will this though work with a +1.5TB system? 

[TerryF]

Are you saying your backup size is at least 1.5tb?

[derekb]

my back is 648GB. we removed some data for a desktop backup and restore.

[janet]

derekb

Supported backups should work.
If Affa fails then you must be doing something wrong, or something else is wrong.

Use the Backup to Workstation option in server manager, & preferably backup to a locally connected USB drive of sufficient size (locally connected meaning attached to the SME server).
That is a lot of data you have & backing up across a network to a workstation desktop or workstation shared drive may be slow.

Then install the OS on the new hardware & configure the identical backup job & then select to restore from local USB.

You could also use the admin console backup to USB option, & upon first boot of the new OS (on new hardware) you will be asked if you want to restore, & if so, to insert the USB drive.

Supported backups should do what you want. Make sure everything you want to backup is included eg /opt
See the contrib article for ways of doing this
http://wiki.contribs.org/Backup_with_dar

For alternative options & possibilities you can read the Backup server config howto
http://wiki.contribs.org/Backup_server_config

You could also do a direct disk to disk restore using this howto
http://wiki.contribs.org/UpgradeDisk
I have not tried it on sme8 but assume it still works OK, as it is generic in nature.

[TerryF]

What janet said