Here is how it works. Tar is smart enough to not add an archive to itself. This will work: tar cvpf /tmp/foo.tar / If you want the tar under /mnt then do something like this: mount /dev/hdxx /mnt cd /mnt tar cvplf backup.tar / or tar czvplf mnt.tar / c means create. v be verbose. p save/restore permitions. l stay in local filesystem i.e. do not cross mountpoints f write archive to a file not magnetic tape. z pipe the archive through gzip Hope this helps. Regards, Kerry. On Mon, Nov 12, 2001 at 03:54:29AM -0000, Saqib Shaikh wrote: > Hi, > > I keep on finding myself wanting to play with new things etc. Instead of having to reinstall my system ever time I end up breaking something (sorry, I'm a perfectionist who feels my system must be perfect!), can I just back up my entire system with tar. > > The first question is: what is the syntax for this? > > Secondly, where will the tar file go. What I mean is, if the command were: > tar cf /* ./backup.tar > then won't the program get into a loop since I'm backing up the current directory, but also continually writing data to this directory? Equally, if I mount a second partition under /mnt and save the tar file to /mnt/backup.tar won't it try and backup the mounted partition also? > > I'd be greatful if anyone has the answer to my question. > > Thanks, Saqib > -- Kerry Hoath: kerry at gotss.net kerry at gotss.eu.org or kerry at gotss.spice.net.au ICQ UIN: 8226547
