[Linux4christians] Repartitioning the hard way...

[Preston Boyington]

<snipped>

Daniel Reurich wrote:
> Hi Eddy,
>  
> On Fri, 2011-06-03 at 22:49 -0700, Eddy wrote:
>> ...I'm contemplating an upgrade
>> with no backup disk available, and I have a lot of stuff I want to keep.

how much space are we talking about? 20-30 Gig?  100 Gig?  the reason I 
ask is that the size/number of the files _can_ affect the advice.  If 
you have a DVD burner and time on your hands then going through a stack 
of blank DVDs isn't that big of a deal on 30 Gig.  moreso on 80+ Gig 
since you'll want to check the files to be sure you didn't get a bad burn.

this also stands for large file copying (sync'ing is better IMO) to 
another drive.

> I'd strongly recommend you get a good backup of the information you need
> to retain - 2 backups if you can afford it.  Your asking for pain if you
> don't have a backup.

absolutely agree.

> 
>> I want to move the data... then upgrade or change the OS (no recommendations,
>> please...)

that's alright, I'm willing to let you stumble along in darkness.  ;-)

>> I've read in a few forum and blog posts that [Qt/G]parted can handle
>> moving data out of the way before putting in planned new partition
>> points, but I can't find any hard info on how to do it.
>>
> You'll be wanting to undertake this sort of operation from a live-cd|
> dvd|flashdisk, and that means GUI tools may not be a realistic option.  
> 

my experience with Gparted, and GUI (r)sync/mirror software in Linux has 
been very good over the last several years.

> Command line is usually the chosen environment for these sorts of
> invasive changes.

with the newer programs available I'll go with this as "preference" for 
the most part.  this is dependent on particular file systems and 
confidence/experience of the user.

>> If I had the extra cash, I'd just grab a second hand disk...

there's not a magic bullet for this.  if you don't use a backup then be 
prepared to lose your data.  NO software is perfect and anything can go 
wrong at any time.

Be aware, you probably won't be able to create a partition at the 
"front" of the drive.  using Gparted you'll be shown the available free 
space at the end of the drive.  If you are going to put Microsoft 
Windows on the machine this will be an issue.  not because "it's not 
Linux", but because Windows doesn't like running from someplace other 
than the first partition.

Linux/BSD is much more forgiving on where things are partitions wise.

as stated earlier, use either a LiveCD or a LiveUSB.  I'll suggest 
something like Puppy Linux (just used latest 525 and was pleased). 
Puppy has Gparted and GUI file sync'ing programs that will help you through.

as far as creating a bootable USB flash drive, I would suggest 
UNetBootin.  with it you can grab a LiveCD iso image and install it to 
the flash drive with just a few clicks.

these are just my suggestions.  YMMV.