Any way to backup this flash drive? Solved thanks.

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number77
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Any way to backup this flash drive? Solved thanks.

#1 Post by number77 »

Hello
I have a Wyse thin client c90lew and would like to put puppy slacko on it. Its got a 1ghz via c7 processor and 2gb flash drive. It runs puppy from usb boot no trouble and I would like to put it on permenantly. I also would like to backup the existing partitions and software in case of problems. I would idealy get another flash and go ahead but am short of cash at present.
Gparted shows it has four partitions but not enough free space to instal.
Any ideas.
number77
Last edited by number77 on Wed 18 Mar 2015, 13:24, edited 1 time in total.

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Flash
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#2 Post by Flash »

By "flash drive" do you mean an internal solid-state hard disk drive?

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don570
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#3 Post by don570 »

To copy a partition , linux uses 'dd' command. Barry Kauler
wrote a utility to copy partitions (even Windows) using 'dd'
It's built into most puppies.

I wrote a posting on hard disk migration using windows software
http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=95284

The info might be useful even though you have a different situation.
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number77
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#4 Post by number77 »

Yes its a solid state drive inside.
I will have a look at dd. Thanks.

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don570
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#5 Post by don570 »

It's hard to use 'dd' command so Barry wrote the Pudd utility app.

http://bkhome.org/blog2/?viewDetailed=00104
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number77
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#6 Post by number77 »

Your links look a bit complex as I am a beginner. Can you suggest any version of puppy that has anything already installed. I could find no mention of dd on slacko 5.5.

Bushbuck
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#7 Post by Bushbuck »

Be very careful with command-line dd, number77.

It's powerful, but it's dangerously easy to tell it to shoot you in the foot, and it will do it. I've been burnt. :oops:

You should be able to find the 'Pudd - copy drive/partition' front end in the Utility menu.

Peterm321
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#8 Post by Peterm321 »

number77 Today, at 22:43 wrote: Your links look a bit complex as I am a beginner.
If you are a beginner then you ought to be aware the dd command is potentially very, very dangerous:

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewto ... 832#821832

In my view it is rather better to use one of the cloning utilities. At least with backing up with a cloning utility the destination has to be a file. With the dd command the destination can even be a device: make a mistake and you can lose all your data.

Bushbuck
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#9 Post by Bushbuck »

If in doubt, do nothing.

You can't unshoot feet.

number77
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#10 Post by number77 »

Will take your advise and keep off DD, thanks.
Can you advise of any cloning utility that is contained on any puppy as that seems a better idea. The only cloning utility I have is Acronis and its quite old and doesnt support usb drives.

Peterm321
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#11 Post by Peterm321 »

number77 Today, at 05:52 wrote:Can you advise of any cloning utility that is contained on any puppy as that seems a better idea.
As per the link I posted, I use the command line utilities partclone.fat and ntfsclone for vfat and ntfs partitions respectively. For Ext2/4 then mksquashfs does it for me (has to be run as root to backup certain system files). Keep in mind that while backups with cloning programs is relatively safe (NB you backup to a clone file not another partition) restoring is to a partition should you ever need to restore. Still safer than the dd command, I believe.

If you are not fine with command line programs then you might find GUI wrappers or alternate backup solutions by searching the forums. I would still avoid pudd, though if it is using the dd command.

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Flash
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#12 Post by Flash »

My God, has anyone ever used dd without screwing up their computer? :lol:

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butchydave
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dd

#13 Post by butchydave »

Thanks for the humor Flash.. First LOL :lol: I've had on a crappy day..

number77
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Re: dd

#14 Post by number77 »

butchydave wrote:Thanks for the humor Flash.. First LOL :lol: I've had on a crappy day..
Not been a bad day here mate.

Les Kerf
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#15 Post by Les Kerf »

I learned about dd here on the Puppy Linux forum with the help of several veterans and have successfully used it many times with nary a failure.

It is actually the simplest method that I know of.

dd is similar to firearms, dynamite, and automobiles; used correctly they are quite useful. Used incorrectly, they can indeed be dangerous :shock:
Les

number77
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#16 Post by number77 »

I have taken the easy way out and formatted the internal flash drive and installed puppy. It works perfectly and I wouldnt want to go back to the very crippled internal xp that it had on.
Thanks for all of the help mates.
All the best
number77

PS I still dont think with my knowledge and luck I would try DD.

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