Use part of hard disk as backup device?

doris · 05-31-2001, 09:00 PM

Can I set up a hard disk partition for backup usage?

It is accessible only when I mount it. But during reinstallation of the operating system, it should be preserved and accessible by the new system.

Is it possible? Thanks in advance.

rshaw · 05-31-2001, 09:23 PM

sure, just remember not format that partition/directory when reinstalling.

bako · 06-01-2001, 08:38 AM

you can tar directly to any raw partition on a harddisk (just like done on floppies and tapes) but please note that in the event of a chrash you backup might have problems also... so its only usable for (short term) backup purposes needed for reinstallations...

for instance:

tar cvzf /dev/hdc [files...]

the complete /dev/hdc partition would be your tar(gz)file

ps. don't try to mount the partition, its not mountable, restore with tar xvzf /dev/hdc