Re: Crashes and lock-ups in Sarge

[Johannes Wiedersich <johannes@physik.blm.tu-muenchen.de>]

Felix Karpfen wrote:
> Since October 2005 I have  been experiencing repeated crashes and
> lock-ups - of varying degrees of seriousness.
>
> Initially, I attributed these to some software incompatibilities and
> sought advice in the relevant "users groups".
>
> And was advised that it sounded like a "hardware problem" - my HD was
> on its way out.
>
> Each subsequent crash re-enforced this diagnosis; so I have purchased
> and installed a new HD (and a new cable - just in case).  "Debian 3.1
> r1" should be arriving within the next few days and my main remaining
> question appeared to be:
>
> "Do I start from scratch or copy my existing setup to the new HD
> before it dies and refuses to be revived"

You could save your package information:

$ dpkg --get-selections "*" >myselections

and use the file myselections (saved on floppy) for restoring it

$ dpkg --set-selections < myselections

followed by aptitude after the base install.

You could also try to backup your /etc/ if there are important 
config-files.

Johannes