Can I move all data from an HDD to an SSD and retain computer function?

[Shabakthanai]

I would like to move all the data from a TB HDD excepting one partition to an SSD and leave the /home partiton as the only partition on the TB drive and still have a functioning computer. Can this be done?

[SecretCode]

Is it OK if I say I'm a bit confused by all the different threads you have? They all seem to be on the same topic and in my opinion it would be easier to have just one thread.

I've got a few questions and a few ideas of things to suggest that might help you. I'm wondering where I should put them!

[sithlord48]

in short yes . you will need to edit your /etc/fstab with the new mount points and you also will need to point grub to the correct place to boot from

[Shabakthanai]

Thanks friend. I am using my original post from now on. I have answered the alternative posts, but your idea is best.

I find that I can probably do a similar task moving from an SSD to an HDD, waiting for a reply.

I recently found that my hard drives are not installed as intended. Apparently I have been making mistakes when installing new Operating Systems for years now. I just found the problem recently and would like to get the correct partitions on the correct drives. If I can move data from drive to drive and retain the ability to boot the ones that contain Operating Systems, it will correct my problems without having to reinstall so many packages, or reconfigure so many applications. I hope to learn a lot too, in the process.

In your opinion is a 128GiB SSD large enough so I won't have to expand its size in the future? I rarely use Windows 7, but am comforted to have as backup. Since I so rarely use Windows 7, it would be nice if the 128GiB SSD could serve its needs entirely.

in short yes . you will need to edit your /etc/fstab with the new mount points and you also will need to point grub to the correct place to boot from

[sithlord48]

you should have enuff space to install either os to a drive with that amount of space. it will only depend on what you plan to keep in your home or if you want to install some large software packages (my root is 40GB i have never had to expand it the rest of the drive i use for my home folder. )

[Shabakthanai]

If you are sure about being able to move data from an HDD to an SSD editing fstab and redirecting Grub. I am not interested in reinstalling an OS if I can just move it.

I notice you keep your /home on the same drive as your OS. You may have noticed that I want to keep my /home on a HDD all by itself. When I find that I can all data is retained in my /home directory rather than some data in other partitions I will then be sure of my idea and want to make these changes. I also would like to know that if I have all my /home data in a separate and exclusive to /home HDD, if an operating system fails completely and I have to reinstall it to save my system, that I should be able to put my computer back together without having to reconfigure applications as well as reinstall them. I suspect that those packages that are installed with the OS will still have to be configured, but if I choose the same configuration as in the previous install, will the computer perform like the old install is still running and has not been changed with the reinstall. Probably a stupid question, but I have been wondering about this possibility for a long time.

you should have enuff space to install either os to a drive with that amount of space. it will only depend on what you plan to keep in your home or if you want to install some large software packages (my root is 40GB i have never had to expand it the rest of the drive i use for my home folder. )

[sithlord48]

if you fix up fstab it doesn't matter if / and /home are on the save physical drive or not.. just use blkid to get the UUID

[Shabakthanai]

Sorry for taking so much time getting back.

I really do not want any mounted OS on the drive that contains my /home data or the drive containing backup. In fact, I want the OS's on SSD's excepting perhaps any Beta I may be running. That is the only exception.

By the way, this reply is over my head. I don't have any idea how to fix up fstab. I do not understand how to use blkid to get the UUID or even how to identify the content of a UUID. Maybe after I get this working I will have some understanding, but not right now.

Additionally, I am not sure my question was answered, in any event if it was, I am still confused. I will try to make my question a little more clear. Can I move a mounted and functioning OS from a SATA HDD to an empty SSD and be able to use the SSD as a mounted and functioning Operating System after the transfer is completed?

Since I am still confused about how Kubuntu stores information, after installing an application, is all the information that is used to make an application function, including configuration and data transfers that are stored in the computer kept exclusively in /home, or is some data stored on the drive containing the Operating System. For instance, when I installed VLC Player, was all the information that relates to VLC stored in the /home directory, or are some instructions saved to the drive containing the Operating System?

In past experiences, when an Operating System is lost and irrepairable, I had to reinstall and reconfigure my applications, like VLC. I also seem to remember having to reconfigure the applications that were installed along with the Operating System, like Firefox and Thunderbird, etc. That may have not been necessary, but I did not know another way to avoid the task.

I am trying to separate data that makes things function and their configuration from any Operating System failure. I am even hoping to find a way to retain and use the existing configurations for all prior installed applications, even those that are installed when installing an Operating System, especially if I have had a catastrophic Operating System loss.

Thanks for your patience; it seems much more difficult for me to learn and retain these things, however I want you to know that I am not lazy and trying to get someone else to do the work for me, it is just that I am so stupid. I have to sound out long multi-syllabled words in my mind, because I cannot take in the words at a glance like everyone else seems to do. I have wondered if I am dislexic rather than stupid. When watching a foreign movie, I never seem able to keep up with the writen subtitles. I always have to guess what they are saying by the context of what is happening.

Anyway this that I am trying to learn right now has been a burden long enough; I want to stick it out until I am confident I understand things. Thanks for your amazing patience, friend.

if you fix up fstab it doesn't matter if / and /home are on the save physical drive or not.. just use blkid to get the UUID

[SecretCode]

Additionally, I am not sure my question was answered, in any event if it was, I am still confused. I will try to make my question a little more clear. Can I move a mounted and functioning OS from a SATA HDD to an empty SSD and be able to use the SSD as a mounted and functioning Operating System after the transfer is completed?

Yes, it is possible. But it requires special utilities (you can't just copy files using the operating system) and some things may have to be changed afterwards, like the fstab. And strictly speaking the OS you are copying must not be mounted while you are doing the copying.

Given your current level of knowledge I think it would be safer not to move an OS just yet!

Also, if you move a Windows OS it may need re-activating afterwards, I'm not sure.

---------------------------------

Since I am still confused about how Kubuntu stores information, after installing an application, is all the information that is used to make an application function, including configuration and data transfers that are stored in the computer kept exclusively in /home, or is some data stored on the drive containing the Operating System. For instance, when I installed VLC Player, was all the information that relates to VLC stored in the /home directory, or are some instructions saved to the drive containing the Operating System?

Linux OSes, in general, store the program executable files in the /usr folder (similar to the way Windows stores program executable files in places like C:\Program Files). It may also store some system-wide settings in the /etc folder.

But anything that's specific to one user, which includes the configuration and of course the documents or other files created, are stored inside the /home folder.

This means if you have to reinstall the OS, but you keep the same /home folder, you will have to reinstall the programs from the repositories but they should then pick up the configurations already saved in /home. This works well - unless the program is a newer version in which case sometimes not all settings may be migrated for that program. In other words, you will have to reinstall but you should not have to reconfigure.

[Shabakthanai]

I won't live long enough to be able to do it and enjoy the correction, if I wait until I am educated enough. I have had a computer 20 years and Linux most of that time to get to the level I am. Embarrassing as that is, I continue to do my best. If anyone is knowledgeable enough to know the process and is willing to help me, I still want to make the change, or otherwise I will try again and reinstall everything, and that is a lot of time. Nevertheless, those are the choices I allow myself.

Since I apparently don't install properly anyway, if I reinstall everything, I will need help to not create the selfsame errors I have been making and living with. As far as Windows 7 is concerned, I still have the CD and product keys for Windows 7; I may have to get some permission to re-do the process, but I don't think they will refuse me.

I hate to think of that. I would rather not have Windows in my computer at all, but every once in a while wanted technology is only available to the commercial operating systems. Since Netflix busted, I have had to spend way too much time on Windows 7; that is akin to torture. If you continue to help me, thanks if you can, thanks if you will, and thanks for being so patient with me.

[SecretCode]

So, if you are prepared to reinstall windows if things go wrong, you could try moving the installation. This involves a disk-level copy which is often called "cloning". It will take a while - possibly several hours. And before doing it, we need to sort out your disk partition plan.

If you do end up reinstalling windows, you must definitely remove all other drives while doing it. The windows installer does not play nicely with other operating systems, in fact microsoft seems to refuse to acknowledge that they exist.

[Shabakthanai]

Dear SecretCode,

Can't do anything right now. My Windows 7 application has been hit by a virus that ClamWin cannot handle. I had to hard shutdown to restart my computer. When Kubuntu opened, it crashed. I am surprised my laptop is working. I don't know what to do.

There was a Russian semi-porn site that came on. Over 400 infections were reported and none were archived or repaired. I never watch porn, so I don't know how the virus' got in.

I had a request that for security reasons I update Adobe Flash. I did. Almost immediately the browser was rerouted to other sites.

I have additional problems in the laptop too. It opened in Ubuntu, not Kubuntu, with a rose colored opening page. It seems to be working, but I am very surprised. Do you suppose those Ruskies have figured out a way to contaminate even Kubuntu?

When I am trying to open Kubuntu in my Desktop PC, the Kmenu bar does not appear. Ctrl + Alt + Del does not bring up shut down options. Also, when I attempt to open Kubuntu in repair mode, Kmenu does not appear when the application opens. In case you get this, I am going to remain on my laptop with Help the New Guy open. Answer please with any recommendations what to do. Is this happening to you and others?

So, if you are prepared to reinstall windows if things go wrong, you could try moving the installation. This involves a disk-level copy which is often called "cloning". It will take a while - possibly several hours. And before doing it, we need to sort out your disk partition plan.

If you do end up reinstalling windows, you must definitely remove all other drives while doing it. The windows installer does not play nicely with other operating systems, in fact microsoft seems to refuse to acknowledge that they exist.

[sithlord48]

install kubuntu to the ssd (using a live cd) and use that old drive as /home call it a day? run win 7 later in virtualbox (unless games) when you need to use it

[Shabakthanai]

I hate to keep putting myself down, but I would just love to have a working VirtualBox. I have tried on several occasions to get the configuration right and failed. When my post sat for several days without reply, I just gave up. I don't think I am smart enough to understand and get it working without baby-step help. If you are willing, I would love the ability.

I have a 4GHz 8core with 32GiB DDR3; it should be able to give plenty of speed for an OS, even in Virtual.

I don't play games like others do. I may play Spider Solitaire occasionally, but that is about the extent of my game playing. I want very much to do as you suggest. Do I delete the Operating System that is on the TB Drive that contains /home? If so, do I do it prior to installing from USB ISO to the SSD? It seems a concern to have two of the same OS's on my computer at the same time.

So that I do not lose the data in /home from the selfsame drive when removing the operating system, must I change any of the settings or configuration of that HDD to retain access to /home?

Additionally, the other TB HDD should contain a backup of my system. It should, but it doesn't. Is that drive set up improperly and that the reason it does not contain my system backup? I would like to have a backup of my /home partition that gets updated periodically. I would like it to be located on the empty TB HDD. I would like to partition that drive so that only one partition contains my backups and the other partition is usable for other things.

My lack of understanding about the backup process causes me to want to know, is it possible to backup both my Operating System and my /home directory and be able to recover my OS and or my /home from the the backup partition, if something catastrophic happens with my OS or current /home? That's how I thought it worked, but I haven't been able to set it up correctly yet.

And finally, if and when I am able to get my VirtualBox working properly, do I install Window 7 therein from my Windows 7 CD, or can I clone it to that location from its current location on my 256GiB SSD? It seems to me it should be possible, but I don't understand the things that would make it not work. I have heard that I have to access Microsoft for approval to re-install my Windows 7. Thanks again friend

install kubuntu to the ssd (using a live cd) and use that old drive as /home call it a day? run win 7 later in virtualbox (unless games) when you need to use it

[SecretCode]

Did you fix your windows virus problem? And your Kubuntu startup problem? They can't be related, unless you were running Kubuntu at the time you hard powered down and corrupted some files.