Hi,
I have a gateway server (CentOS5 + Squid) running since past 2 years.
I need to free up the current server and prepare the same setup (CentOS5 + Squid) on a new hardware.
I am exploring the short cut option of cloning the HDD and putting in a new server. When the cloned HDD boots in a new h/w environment, the OS will scream for new hardware found. I am sure the OS will then adjust its parameters for the new hardware. But, Is this a good approach ? Are there any stability issues ? Has anyone done this before ?
Another approach I thought is to install CentOS5 and then copy only the "/" partition from the old HDD to the new one.
Is there any other way of doing this ? What is the best way ?
I am just trying to avoid reinstall & reconfigure efforts.
Thx & regards, Vai
PS: There are reasons why I need to do all this, hence I would appreciate if we limit the discussions to "best approach for move HDD into a new hardware".
On Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 5:51 PM, RSCL Mumbai rscl.mumbai@gmail.com wrote:
Hi,
I have a gateway server (CentOS5 + Squid) running since past 2 years.
I need to free up the current server and prepare the same setup (CentOS5 + Squid) on a new hardware.
You don't mention update version - suggest you update to the latest i.e. 5.4.
I am exploring the short cut option of cloning the HDD and putting in a new server.
I suggest you migrate your proxy setup to a KVM running on the "new" hardware :) make sure CPU and motherboard both support virtualization. My modus operandi with KVM is to create a "pristine" install image file. I copy it, boot it and install services I need to put in it, make a "pristine+<something>" copy. Deploy the new image into production after testing.
When the cloned HDD boots in a new h/w environment, the OS will scream for new hardware found.
It may not boot at all depending on whether your current initrd has the drivers for sata/scsi chips in your new hardware. Alternately, if you know the chip set in advance then you can build an initrd with the driver modules for your sata/scsi chipset.
I am sure the OS will then adjust its parameters for the new hardware.
Yes, kudzu will adjust for most new hardware that is supported in your kernel provided you are able to boot on the new hardware (see above).
But, Is this a good approach ? Are there any stability issues ? Has anyone done this before ?
Yes, I have migrated VirtualBox installs to KVM. No stability issues.
Another approach I thought is to install CentOS5 and then copy only the "/" partition from the old HDD to the new one.
I would not suggest it unless you know what you are doing :). Most likely you will have a b0rked system - waste of time IMO.
Is there any other way of doing this ? What is the best way ?
I am just trying to avoid reinstall & reconfigure efforts.
Sometimes, especially for services with few config files, a fresh install and configuration is faster than migrating. I have not done squid install and config. YMMV.
-- Arun Khan
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Arun Khan -
RSCL Mumbai