Disk Replacement: SCO Open Server
Quick question: The OS is SCO Open Server 5.Something can't remember for sure but I don't think it really matters.
I have a disk that I want to replace because it is making some unusual noises and there is no fault tolerance in this system. This system has been in production for quite sometime and I am nervous that it is ready to take a dump.
Can I just add the new disk to the system and perform a DD if=/dev/(current disk device) of=/dev/(new disk device) and then swap the new disk in once the operation is complete?
I am hoping that it would be this easy. Of couse this system is old so I am not sure I will be able to find the same exact disk. Will this be a factor? If so, I am not interesested in salvaging space on a newer disk if I have to purchase something larger than the 9G that I have in the system currently.
Thank you,
isaint
I have a disk that I want to replace because it is making some unusual noises and there is no fault tolerance in this system. This system has been in production for quite sometime and I am nervous that it is ready to take a dump.
Can I just add the new disk to the system and perform a DD if=/dev/(current disk device) of=/dev/(new disk device) and then swap the new disk in once the operation is complete?
I am hoping that it would be this easy. Of couse this system is old so I am not sure I will be able to find the same exact disk. Will this be a factor? If so, I am not interesested in salvaging space on a newer disk if I have to purchase something larger than the 9G that I have in the system currently.
Thank you,
isaint
You can also use symantec ghost (6.x or newer) to ghost SCO UNIX with two identical Hardisk. (I have try it a few years ago).
But personally, I would not use ghost, the UNIX dd command can do the some job (image copy).
But personally, I would not use ghost, the UNIX dd command can do the some job (image copy).
ASKER
I am not interested in adding any additional space to this server- keeping it up is my main concern. I am also not interested in using any 3rd party apps such as ghost.
So am I to understand that my syntax above for the "dd" command will do the trick? What I mean is that if I choose to use a larger disk and use dd will there be any problems cloning it using this method or do I need to add any additional flags/arguments to the syntax.
Thank you for the responses and the help!
isaint
So am I to understand that my syntax above for the "dd" command will do the trick? What I mean is that if I choose to use a larger disk and use dd will there be any problems cloning it using this method or do I need to add any additional flags/arguments to the syntax.
Thank you for the responses and the help!
isaint
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A better way to do it is to perform a full system backup to a tape, and then you "divvy" to partion your new disk (same number of partions, size of each partion >= old one).
then use emerency FDs (Boot and Root FDs), boot up the system to single user mode,
and then mount all the filesystem and restore it from backup.
eg:
cd /
find . -print | cpio -oacv -O /dev/rStp0
#backup the whole system to a tape.
or just boot up the harddisk to single use mode, and use "cpio" to copy each filesystem
to the new harddisk.
also see: http:Q_21059011.html for more details.
PS: if you use "dd" to copy the HD, the harddisk ID is also copied accross, you don't need
to go to the SCO website to re-register the system.
For the "cpio" sulution, you need to re-register the system, and then run scoadmin to
put the new key in.
Good luck!