On 16.03.2014, CS DBA wrote:
Here's my question: If I simply backup all directories
(including ones like
/proc & /media, etc) will the following work, or do I need to care about
specifically excluding the virtual directories?
I would run any backup/restore of the root filesystem only when booted
from an external medium, to avoid problems with locks. What I do (and
what would also work in your case) is:
1. Download sysresccd:
http://www.sysresccd.org
2. Install the image on a memory stick:
isohybrid sysresccd-image.iso
cat sysresccd-image.iso > /dev/sdX
3. Boot from it
4. Backup your partitions: rsync -avxHSAX /source/ /target
To switch back to your system as it has been before a faulty update:
rsync -avxHSAX --delete /target/ /source