[SOLVED] How to switch to SSD from HDD *better*?

NagatoPain · 2015-03-05 01:25:45

I have one new SSD drive (256G PLEXTOR M6 Pro), and want to switch to it from HDD.

I already have one running Arch Linux on HDD, and empty fresh SSD.

Some ideas about the solutions:
1. copy-move current HDD Arch Linux to SSD.
- this need to keep Arch linux complete in copy progress.
- keep the new SSD Arch linux is same, and can be boot from it.
- is there something I need to configure after switch? like /etc/fstab ? GRUB ?

2. install a NEW Arch to SSD.
- Can I install Arch Linux to SSD in current running HDD Arch Linux? If can, then HOW?

I want to create two parts in SSD:
1. one for Linux system.
2. one for Other system (like windows, another Linux distribution?)

The plan about my SSD and HDD.
I hope to use SSD as system directory like /, /usr etc, (except /home)
And use HDD as /home directory.(UPDATE: keep my old arch linux)

If you have any better solution, please tell me.

Last edited by NagatoPain (2015-04-29 06:02:40)

karol · 2015-03-05 01:54:08

Partition the SSD to suit your needs, use liveCD / liveUSB to install Arch onto the SSD, copy the configs (pacman.conf etc.).
It would be best to repartition your HDD as it will have only your /home, not the whole OS.

Xabre · 2015-03-05 09:02:39

Or you can just use cp -a to copy your existing installation to a new disk with all attributes/permissions preserved and just adjust few files (mostly fstab).

Head_on_a_Stick · 2015-03-05 09:08:43

NagatoPain wrote:

2. install a NEW Arch to SSD.
- Can I install Arch Linux to SSD in current running HDD Arch Linux? If can, then HOW?

Just follow the Beginner's Guide but make sure all the operations are being applied to the attached drive rather than your internal HDD; you can treat your existing Arch system as a live ISO with a GUI.

If you have a slow internet connection you can use `pacstrap` with the "-c" flag to install the packages from the pacman cache in your extant system:

# pacstrap -c /mnt base <other packages>

graysky · 2015-03-05 09:33:21

Just partition it and rsync over that you want. Chroot in and install your boot loader, rebuild the boot image, and adjust the fstab if need be.

Last edited by graysky (2015-03-05 09:34:06)

GloW_on_dub · 2015-03-05 09:38:59

If the hdd is already correctly parititoned, just create similar (same size or bigger ) partitions on SDD, then use dd to copy the partitions.
Modify /etc/fstab accordingly.
Reinstall bootloader for correct partition containing boot.
Check everything allright, then extend your home partition on your whole hdd.

Last edited by GloW_on_dub (2015-03-05 09:40:56)

lightstream · 2015-03-05 12:44:31

Here's how I did it with rsync:

http://www.rdeeson.com/weblog/157/movin … -rsync.htm

Using rsync should be quicker than dd as it only copies actual files rather than doing a bit-by-bit copy. You can also exclude certain directories, if for instance you're going to keep the HDD in the system with large files on (such as movies)

karol · 2015-03-05 16:01:23

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Fu … with_rsync

NagatoPain · 2015-03-08 03:51:51

This is great, seems this is not very diffcult.

I'm going to try tonight.

And thanks, guys.

Arch Linux

#1 2015-03-05 01:25:45