Re: Help: disk swap
The second disk would need to be connected to the running linux in some
way either by a disk dock or a disk caddy such that the running linux
could find the second disk using lsblk and blkid. Once located, parted -a
optimal /dev/xxx and then print to show the partition table then quit on
/dev/xxx could reveal boot partition information. I have a disk caddy
here for sata disks which has its own power supply and that caddy also
boots external ssd drives once inserted correctly since the connectors for
sata and ssd are identical.
On Tue, 2 Aug 2022, David wrote:
> On Tue, 2 Aug 2022 at 13:25, David Wright <deblis@lionunicorn.co.uk> wrote:
> > On Thu 28 Jul 2022 at 14:29:32 (+0100), tony van der Hoff wrote:
> > > On 27/07/2022 16:07, Jude DaShiell wrote:
>
> > > Thanks for your help. Sadly, I'm not getting very far with this. I
> > > guess I'm not understanding your instructions too well:
> > >
> > > > Have the running linux system on the machine. Run lsblk to locate the
> > > > name of the boot partition.
> > >
> > > I'll call the disk from the backup machine "B", and the disk I want to
> > > use "A".
>
> > The methodology below is unsuitable for you because you don't have
> > both disks in the machine at the same time.
>
> It would certainly be easier to help if that was the situation.
>
> We have been told that both machines were running Debian 10. But a
> problem is as yet we don't know if they have similar or different boot
> systems. That lack of information makes it very difficult to give advice.
>
> So trying to modify disk "A" to boot machine "B" could be tricky. But
> perhaps trying to get disk "A" to boot machine "B" is an XY problem that
> can be avoided, if maybe Tony only needs to recover some data off
> disk "A" onto disk "B".
>
> Given that Tony is not finding this easy, another approach that might
> be easier would be to keep the backup machine "B" intact and working
> and booting with its disk "B" connected as previously.
> And then use something like this:
> https://www.newegg.com/sabrent-ec-dflt-dock/p/N82E16817366069
> to connect disk "A" to machine "B".
>
> And then the desired data can just be copied off it, and that might
> meet all Tony's needs.
>
> This method can also reveal evidence of what boot system is used by
> both machines, and would permit modifying disk "A" if that turns out
> to be necessary.
>
> I find this kind of drive dock very useful for admin flexibility and
> rescue tasks. I think they are a versatile and useful general purpose
> tool for tinkering. So, a worthwhile investment, in my opinion.
>
>
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