IBM Support

How should I back-up a Linux system?

Question & Answer


Question

How do I create a bootable operating system backup for my Linux system?

Cause

If a system fails, it might be desirable to have a bootable backup of operating system file systems (to avoid repeating the processes of installation and configuration).
AIX system administrators might be familiar with the command "mksysb", but this tool is not available for Linux.

Answer

Many people choose to use third-party backup tools, but IBM Linux Support does not make any recommendations about those.
It is generally a good idea to separate the ideas of recovering your operating system file systems from applications and data file systems.

To recreate a set of bootable operating system file systems, several Linux vendors provide a tool called Relax-and-Recover (ReaR).
Creating a complete back-up configuration in ReaR for your environment is out-of-scope for technical support.
However, IBM Support will be happy to answer specific configuration questions or to troubleshoot problems.

You should always test your back-up and recovery process in a non-production environment.
Please engage IBM Lab Services if you require assistance with that.

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Document Information

Modified date:
12 August 2021

UID

ibm11164292