Arch Linux

iridyllic

Member

Registered: 2023-12-06

Posts: 6

Is it OK to install Arch on one drive from another drive?

I am already running Arch but want to change my SSD and install a fresh system on it.

Rather than using a Live USB, is it OK to plug in the new SSD, and run the Arch installation commands but from my existing Arch system on the other SSD? Of course, I would point the partitioning and mounting commands to the other drive.

I'd like to use my normal terminal and browser if needed, and I can't do this if I'm on a Live USB as I only have one computer.

schard

Forum Moderator

From: Hannover

Registered: 2016-05-06

Posts: 2,191

Website

Re: Is it OK to install Arch on one drive from another drive?

I see no problem in doing this. You just need to install the arch-install-scripts package in order to have access to the respective installation scripts, such as pacstrap.

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Inofficial first vice president of the Rust Evangelism Strike Force

Head_on_a_Stick

Member

From: The Wirral

Registered: 2014-02-20

Posts: 8,824

Website

Re: Is it OK to install Arch on one drive from another drive?

The only potential issue would be the autodetect hook for the initramfs, which might not add all the required modules for the new machine. Should be fine as long as you're using the same drive type, filesystem and graphics card manufacturer though. If in doubt add the required modules to the MODULES array in /etc/mkinitcpio.conf and generate the new initramfs.

I'd like to use my normal terminal and browser if needed, and I can't do this if I'm on a Live USB

The live ISO includes a text-mode browser and the login message names the script which will open it on the official installation guide page. No second computer needed

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Jin, Jîyan, Azadî

schard

Forum Moderator

From: Hannover

Registered: 2016-05-06

Posts: 2,191

Website

Re: Is it OK to install Arch on one drive from another drive?

OP only wants to add a new SSD, so...

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Inofficial first vice president of the Rust Evangelism Strike Force

Head_on_a_Stick

Member

From: The Wirral

Registered: 2014-02-20

Posts: 8,824

Website

Re: Is it OK to install Arch on one drive from another drive?

Oh yes, silly me. Sorry OP. Thanks shard.

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Jin, Jîyan, Azadî