Backing up a bare-bone install questions

So I've set up a bare-bone install (no Desktop Environment, absolute minimum packages) which I thought about backing it up by using a LiveCD distro called Parted Magic. From the terminal I copied all the files from / to an "arch" folder:
cp -a /media/sdb1/* /media/sdb3/arch
Now if I fuck something up or just want a clean slate I could, theoretically, just copy everything back by running "cp -a /media/sdb3/arch/* /media/sdb1" and start from scratch, right ? Is there any downside to this ? Also, is it me or does the bare-bone install take up under 200 MB ?
Thanks.
Last edited by DSpider (2010-05-02 14:11:42)

Relying on what should work in theory wrt backups is bad juju. Try it out. Try to install it on another computer. I'm not sure it will work, your fstab may need the UUIDs changed.

Similar Messages

  • Necessary SL files - bare bones install

    Alright, so this is somewhat complicated...
    I am attempting a minimal install of Snow Leopard. Here is what I have done so far:
    - Activated ownership on a second hard drive.
    - Installed the BaseSystem.pkg, Essentials.pkg, and BootCamp.pkg onto that hard drive.
    - Copied Setup Assistant from a pre-existing install to my new install (which is needed to setup the computer on the first boot.
    - Copied the pkg receipts from a pre-existing install to the new install.
    - Used the bless command to create the boot.efi file and specify the /System/Library/CoreServices folder as the boot root.
    - Fixed the file permissions.
    - Reboot
    The kernel boots successfully, but once it loads the GUI I get a grey screen with the beach ball of doom. So obviously I am missing something.
    Any ideas?

    The kernel boots successfully, but once it loads the GUI I get a grey screen with the beach ball of doom.
    If you are saying that you never get past the grey screen then it is safe to assume the GUI has not loaded.
    As was suggested both here & in your other topic, it is much, much easier to do a normal install & then carefully prune away the unneeded stuff to get a minimal install. In fact, just by installing the Essentials.pkg, you have already installed a lot of items that are not essential to the purpose you explained (more or less) in your other topic.
    Tip: to see the items a .pkg file contains, you can double-click on it to launch Installer.app. Then go to the File menu & select "Show Files." Do that with Mac OS X Install DVD/System/Installation/Packages/Essentials.pkg & you will see that it contains what Apple considers the essential OS X applications, like Dictionary, Photo Booth, Preview, Image Capture, & many others, plus the support files for them.
    By doing a normal install, you will avoid permissions problems, insure that everything is properly linked & installed in the correct order (which matters!), get an accurate receipts database, & so on. You even get a few options to avoid installing many of the .pkg's like the large number of printer ones, some of the language ones. You can then use the suggestions I made in your other topic to prune much more.
    Your current method is a bit like trying to build all the floors of an office building at once instead of floor by floor.

  • Brand new hard drive.  Can I re-install, bare-bones, from my USB Passport drive?

    My CD drive doesn't seem to work to reistall OSX and restore from there.  Is it possible to restore, bare-bones, from my passport drive?

    Hi:
    Sure you should be able to do that.
    Why not save your money and install W7 on the existing hard drive?
    Use the advanced options on the W7 install screen to delete all partitions, create and format a new partition.
    Here is the link to the W7 Home Premium 64 bit SP1 ISO file...
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 U (media refresh)
    latest and greatest
    X17-58997.iso
    Then you can either burn the ISO file to a DVD using the burn ISO file menu option on your DVD burning program.  Burn at the slowest speed you can or...
    Use the Microsoft Windows USB/DVD Download Tool to transfer the ISO file to a 4 GB USB Flash drive or DVD.
    The tool will also make the media bootable.
    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-us​b-dvd-download-tool
    Then go to your PC's support page to download the drivers and available software you need.

  • I would like to know if it's possible to bring back the status bar in Firefox 4 without having to install any addons.

    Does anybody know how to bring back the status bar in Firefox 4 without having to install any addons? The reason why I ask is that for some reason, when Firefox 4 was made available to the general public to download, Firefox 4 was missing the status bar and also the save and quit message was turned off by default. I got the save and quit message turned back on but I just don't know if it's possible to bring back the status bar without any addons.

    Please read this article:
    http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/what-happened-status-bar

  • Keychain - bare bones set up - what should it look like

    Hello
    Sorry for asking such a boring question but:
    WHAT DOES A BARE-BONES Keychain SETUP LOOK LIKE?
    I am the single user of the machine and thus its administrator. I understand that a login keychain is set up on login, but I also have a keychain called my username. Do I need this? All I want is the absolute basic setup - number of keychains, locked - yes or no? etc etc
    I want to store a single password - my internet mail access password. Should this be stored in my login keychain or another one (eg: my username keychain).
    Long time Mac user, but never had to deal with this stuff until 10.4.9 came to town...
    Cheers
    PowerBook G4 17   Mac OS X (10.4.9)   1Gb RAM + Lacie External Firewire HD

    Glad to help clarify for you. The 10.4.9 update isn't at fault for keychain problems. If users have keychain problems they need to look elsewhere than a system update.
    Everyone who posts on these forums has a problem, but that doesn't mean the problem is widespread, universal, or due to some update (although that is possible in some cases.) The other side of the story are the thousands of users who have no problems and don't post on these forums for that reason.
    I've been using Mac OS since 1986 and Mac OS X since it's original beta release. So far I've never had a keychain problem of any kind on any Mac I've used. If you maintain your system you shouldn't have any problems either.
    Passwords and keychains have been a part of OS X always. You can't create a user account without them. The keychain, however, is a relatively transparent component with which the user rarely if ever has to deal.
    And, although I've never used Windows all that much, I know it well enough to know that it, too, uses passwords and wallets (their word for keychains.) They are a fact of life on any multi-user operating system.
    Kappy's Personal Suggestions for OS X Maintenance
    For disk repairs use Disk Utility. For situations DU cannot handle the best third-party utilities are: Disk Warrior; DW only fixes problems with the disk directory, but most disk problems are caused by directory corruption; Disk Warrior 4.0 is now Intel Mac compatible. TechTool Pro provides additional repair options including file repair and recovery, system diagnostics, and disk defragmentation. TechTool Pro 4.5.2 is Intel Mac compatible; Drive Genius is similar to TechTool Pro in terms of the various repair services provided. The current version, 1.5.1, is Intel Mac compatible.
    OS X performs certain maintenance functions that are scheduled to occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly period. The maintenance scripts run in the early AM only if the computer is turned on 24/7 (no sleep.) If this isn't the case, then an excellent solution is to download and install a shareware utility such as Macaroni, JAW PseudoAnacron, or Anacron that will automate the maintenance activity regardless of whether the computer is turned off or asleep.
    OS X automatically defrags files less than 20 MBs in size, so unless you have a disk full of very large files there's little need for defragmenting the hard drive. As for virus protection there are few if any such animals affecting OS X. You can protect the computer easily using the freeware Open Source virus protection software ClamXAV. Personally I would avoid most commercial anti-virus software because of their potential for causing problems.
    I would also recommend downloading the shareware utility TinkerTool System that you can use for periodic maintenance such as removing old logfiles and archives, clearing caches, etc.
    For emergency repairs install the freeware utility Applejack. If you cannot start up in OS X, you may be able to start in single-user mode from which you can run Applejack to do a whole set of repair and maintenance routines from the commandline.
    When you install any new system software or updates be sure to repair the hard drive and permissions beforehand. I also recommend booting into safe mode before doing system software updates.
    Get an external Firewire drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):
    1. Retrospect Desktop (Commercial - not yet universal binary)
    2. Synchronize! Pro X (Commercial)
    3. Synk (Backup, Standard, or Pro)
    4. Deja Vu (Shareware)
    5. PsynchX 2.1.1 and RsyncX 2.1 (Freeware)
    6. Carbon Copy Cloner (Freeware - 3.0 is a Universal Binary)
    The following utilities can also be used for backup, but cannot create bootable clones:
    1. Backup (requires a .Mac account with Apple both to get the software and to use it.)
    2. Toast
    3. Impression
    4. arRSync
    Apple's Backup is a full backup tool capable of also backing up across multiple media such as CD/DVD. However, it cannot create bootable backups. It is primarily an "archiving" utility as are the other two.
    Impression and Toast are disk image based backups, only. Particularly useful if you need to backup to CD/DVD across multiple media.
    Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on maintenance, optimization, virus protection, and backup and restore.
    Additional suggestions will be found in Mac Maintenance Quick Assist.
    Referenced software can be found at www.versiontracker.com and www.macupdate.com.
    Why reward points?(Quoted from Discussions Terms of Use.)
    The reward system helps to increase community participation. When a community member gives you (or another member) a reward for providing helpful advice or a solution to their question, your accumulated points will increase your status level within the community.
    Members may reward you with 5 points if they deem that your reply is helpful and 10 points if you post a solution to their issue. Likewise, when you mark a reply as Helpful or Solved in your own created topic, you will be awarding the respondent with the same point values.

  • Bone head question:reformatting startup disk

    I know it a bone head question but I need to reformate my current startup disk.
    I have pleanty of space on other disks. do I just transfer all info to another disk and select that one as start up and then reformate and transfer back etc... or what?
    stupid forgetfull me...
    cheers&aloha
    matt

    If you have a spare drive which doesn't currently have Mac OS X installed, use an application such as this one to clone your current drive to it, restart from the clone or another drive, and erase the startup disk.
    If not or if you don't want to clone the whole drive, copy anything off of it you want, erase the current drive, and then copy your data back after setting it up again.
    (16250)

  • I have ipod touch purchase 3 years back is it possible to install iso 4.3 version in my old ipod, i have ipod touch purchase 3 years back is it possible to install iso 4.3 version in my old ipod

    i have ipod touch purchase 3 years back is it possible to install latest version in that ipod touch

    Check this Apple site:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1358
    It tells you the devices supported for which the latest iOs 4.3.3 is available. At the very least, if you are not clear on whether or not your iPod is 3rd generation, then attach it to your computer, launch iTunes; select your device from the side bar and click "Update" on the Summary page. That will tell you if your iPod is eligible for the update.

  • Bring back the 12 month devise installment plan.

    You need to bring back the 12 month devise installment plan. I am grandfathered into the unlimited data plan and do not want to give it up, so the edge plan is out of the question. I cannot afford to pay full price for a phone and accessories. the installment plan helped me tremendously in my purchase of a new devise withOUT, changing my plan and coming greatly out of pocket. HELP!!!
    I have been a VZW customer for more than 12 yrs. The devise installment plan, unlimited data plan that I have and great service, are just a few of the reasons i an still with VZW. Please remain competitive and re-offer this service.

    Who cares what my data plan is? Has nothing to do with my opinion on unlimited data. I could of had it. Chose not to, didn't need it. Still don't. I use maybe 500 MB per month.
    The point is Verizon wants to get rid of it. And has been getting rid of it piecemeal for years. My point is if they are  going to do it, just do it. Like pulling a band-aid off. You just rip it off you don't try to finesse it. Just dumping it gets rid of all the 'How can I still get a discounted upgrade" threads also gets rid of the "Verizon tricked me into giving up unlimited data" threads.
    Will people get mad? yes.They get mad now. What's the difference? Heck offer them 10 GB per line bonus for 2 years for each unlimited data line as a gesture. The ones that leave likely use the most data and that will actually help if they left.

  • HT5654 I had an PC crash while backing-up my iPhone4, before installing iOs7. Now I am unable to restore the iPhone. Can anyone please help me! Arjen Ronhaar

    I had an PC crash while backing-up my iPhone4, before installing iOs7.
    Now I am unable to restore the iPhone.
    Can anyone please help me!
    Arjen Ronhaar

    Hey Arjen Ronhaar,
    Thanks for the question. I understand you are experiencing issues updating your iPhone to iOS 7. If you have not already done so, you may want to restart or reset the iPhone:
    iPhone, iPad, iPod touch: Turning off and on (restarting) and resetting
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1430
    If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you'll want to restore your iPhone in recovery mode with iTunes:
    iOS: Unable to update or restore
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1808
    Thanks,
    Matt M.

  • I have installed Angry Birds Seasons HD on my iPad. It has installed, but another icon with a full blue bar with 'installing' written below is displayed. It's not even being deleted... HELP!

    I have installed Angry Birds Seasons HD on my iPad. It has installed, but another icon with a full blue bar with 'installing' written below is displayed. It's not even being deleted... HELP!

    Repeating your question in the post doesn't fully explain what the problem is. Are you saying that you installed the game and it is trying to install again?
    Without knowing anymore than why you have posted ..... try rebooting the iPad and see if the installing resumes, the download disappears .....
    Reboot the iPad by holding down on the sleep and home buttons at the same time for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple Logo appears - ignore the red slider - let go of the buttons.

  • Is it possible to switch back to ios5 after having installed ios6 on ipad 2? Cant open web pages and dont like some functinalities so would like to go back.

    Appart from the non indefferent fact that is becoming just like that other giant microsoft and it took me 20 minutes to get everything settled before i could actually ask a **** question which by chance arose from the fact that i was wasting time not being able to access some login page i usually can access from my ipad2. The problem seams to be the new ios6 which i fullheartly installed but appart from the everchanging funcionalities that are fine when you are a teen but are a nuisance when you have little time there seam to be changed under the hood to that dont allow for the normal use i make of the internet.
    Question: is it possible to switch back to IOS5 after having installed IOS6? How long can the proccess be ? Will it have any other magic apple effect?
    Ps: im starting to think that other guy microsoft was not that much of an evil money making babylonlike creature. Maybe is just the scale of success that turns friendly companies to anonymous "robbers".

    Appart from the non indefferent fact that is becoming just like that other giant microsoft and it took me 20 minutes to get everything settled before i could actually ask a **** question which by chance arose from the fact that i was wasting time not being able to access some login page i usually can access from my ipad2. The problem seams to be the new ios6 which i fullheartly installed but appart from the everchanging funcionalities that are fine when you are a teen but are a nuisance when you have little time there seam to be changed under the hood to that dont allow for the normal use i make of the internet.
    Question: is it possible to switch back to IOS5 after having installed IOS6? How long can the proccess be ? Will it have any other magic apple effect?
    Ps: im starting to think that other guy microsoft was not that much of an evil money making babylonlike creature. Maybe is just the scale of success that turns friendly companies to anonymous "robbers".

  • ISM-SRE-300-K9= bare bones loading Cisco Unity Express

    Hello,
    I am wondering if anyone knows whether or not I can load Cisco Unity Express on to a Bare Bones ISM-SRE-300-K9=. Does one need to buy it pre-configured from Factory, or does the Non Rehostable 2-Port License automatically install with the download from cisco.com
    These are the conditions of the scenario:
    1) ISM-SRE-300-K9= is bare bones from distribution
    2) The unit has a Service Contract (SAU) purchased and attached
    3) I will be installing the 5-Pack Mailbox License
    4) I will be installing CUE 8.6 on to the unit from cisco.com download
    Thanks,
    Jordan

    Hi Swati,
    Even if there are other posts, you may check this link:
    http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/access/interfaces/software/feature/guide/ism-sm-sre.html
    Also CUE is not supprted on the Embedded Service Module, so you have to install de CUE module on ISM 0/0 or 0/1
    -HTH-
    Jorge...
    Sent from Cisco Technical Support Android App

  • Bare bones to host virtualbox

    can i just install x or do i also need gnome/kde to support VB? i only need the bare minimum to get gui. i haven't used Arch since ~.4/.5 many many years ago.... i did try the search function for 'virtualbox' to no avail. suggestions on size partitions, especially with regard to swap?

    Really just need X, display manager and Qt to run virtualbox gui.  I think a bare bones installation with just X, something small like openbox/fluxbox dm and Qt is under ~1Gb, maybe 700mb or so last time I installed fresh.
    Last edited by Wittfella (2011-09-14 07:22:34)

  • Kit requirements for bare bones HDCAM edit

    I asked about upgrading my system a few weeks back and everyone was very helpful, but having gone away and done some research I simply can't afford a lot of the kit that was suggested. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for the editor on a serious budget. I'm used to working with HDV and frankly this is all a bit scary ..
    I've got a short film shot on HDCAM that I need to edit. I don't need to be able to grade it myself so I'm hoping this means I can make do with my existing 19 inch monitor and not worry about buying video cards, 23 inch cinema displays and matrox mxo's etc.
    If I use prores to capture the HDCAM footage how much visual quality would I lose? and would it mean I could buy something like the Caldigit S2VR Duo to work from rather than a massive raid drive that would set me back thousands of pounds?
    I'm presuming id need to buy a pci card as well and i'll rent an hd deck for the capture itself.
    Have I missed anything out? And does this actually sound like a workable idea?
    Any help would be really appreciated.
    Thanks.

    I don't really think you can have a bare bones system and still be able to work with HDCAM. One thing you might want to consider is having footage captured for you at a post facility and placed onto a portable drive. Perhaps the CalDigit S2VR as Shane suggested, or a G-RAID. If you are in LA there are several facilities that can do this including West Post Digital in Santa Monica and Alpha Dogs in Burbank.
    When you are done editing, go back to the post facility and have them do your layoffs for you. Working with HDCAM is a bit more complicated than working with HDV. And a bit more expensive as well.

  • My ipad will not sync or back-up and thus cannot install OS5, it starts fine, but then says "cannot verify applications" and stops sync.  Can someone help me?

    my ipad will not sync or back-up and thus cannot install OS5, it starts fine, but then says "cannot verify applications" and stops sync.  Can someone help me?

    going to "transfer purchases' does work - however the thermometer bar at the bottom reflecting apps, music, video, book, etc cpapcity fraks out, sliding left to right maybe 4 or 5 times during the process.  Have you ever seen this?
    After it is finished, the SYNC button is not longer darkened - so I thought it was safe to attampt an upgrade to OS05... which i am doing now... takes maybe 20 mins and then I normally get the error "the applications on this ipad cannot be verified" and the bottom thermometer bar zeros out all by my music.  The content and apps are all fine on teh ipad.  so strange.  I made an appointment with customer service tomrrow AM - but i do not think i should have to pay for this - i have never even used support before!
    I will update if it works - or re[eats the strange pattern again and does not update.
    Thanks for your time and help!

Maybe you are looking for