Server migration - using ufsdump

hi all,

i am refreshing my hardware, but i do not want to do a clean installation/reinstallation.

I am wondering if i could do

  • do a ufsdump of the / partition (into a file on a nfs share)
  • bootup using cdrom in the new machine
  • mount the boot device/slice, and restore the ufsdump on it.

is this way feasible ?

Regards,
Noob

What Solaris version? What Hardware?

1 Like

Hi Duke2nuke,

M10, solaris10 to the same.

Regards,
Noob

Hi Javanoob,

You would probably be better using a FLAR image, there are some quite good notes here.

Regards

Gull04

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Hi Gull04,

Thanks for the link.

On reading this
https://blogs.oracle.com/Doc/entry/flash\_archives\_v\_s_backups
Do you mind to elaborate further why FLARcreate will be a better option here ?

I am trying to restore my old system onto similar piece (but newer hardware).

--would like to keep all the existing hostnames, device naming , etc.

Regards,
Noob

It sounds like you've already started down the ufsdump/ufsrestore route although I agree with gull04 that 'flar' might be easier.

However, it's quite possible to restore a ufsdump onto different hardware provided you know what to look out for.

You should search THIS FORUM for this issue as most of the answers are already on here. Therefore, for starters, here are some threads I've been involved in on this subject which I suggest you read first.

Restoring a system from a backup

Restore a server from a ufsdump

It can be quite tricky if you don't know what might happen but dead simple when you do.

Any further questions just post them back here and hit us with them.

Good luck!

1 Like

Hi,

In general the FLAR method is much more tolerant of hardware variation, leaving less remediation work after the event. In my experience it doesn't completely eliminate it, but it can take out a lot of time consuming configuration work.

Regards

Gull04

1 Like

thanks both, I think to truly appreciate the difference is to get my hands dirty.

Will try it out and come back here if I have any issue.
Thnks!