Image backup using Clonezilla

[dcol]

Using OPNsense 17.1, I was able to fully image and restore a disk using Clonezilla.
With OPNsense 18.1.5, Cloneziila restores do not restore the configuration data. The OPNsense system is fine, but starts up like a newly installed system with no interface settings. Tried it with 2 identical to the source disks.

I am not even sure that Clonezilla is the right image tool to use. I need a tool that I can do a full disk image backup and recreate a disk in my office to send out to my client. This disk should be able to load and run OPNsense the same as when imaged. Any suggestions?

[fabian]

A cool tool to image devices is the fog project. However every image tool that creates disk images should restore the same state as when the image has been created because the data should not be modified.

[dcol]

Just tested HDD Raw Copy for Windows and I can confirm that it works. It does a sector to sector image.
It is free - Get it here http://hddguru.com/software/HDD-Raw-Copy-Tool/

[elektroinside]

For Windows, I've been using Macrium Reflect Free, since forever
It's simply brilliant.

[dcol]

I use Macrium Reflect also. Actually I am a reseller for them and use the SiteManager and Agent for all my clients. I did try it, but it was taking too long, then I found HDD Raw copy and that seems to be a lot quicker.
I will try Macrium again, but I suspect you need to use the advanced sector copy.

[elektroinside]

Oh, very nice!
Just talked about images earlier today with marjohn56, that I'll probably need one as i broke my setup too many times lately and might expect a fs crash any time..

[fabian]

@elektroinside there will probably be a Nextcloud backup feature in the near future so you can just upload the config files automatically.

[dcol]

More info on imaging OPNsense.
Tried Macrium and it did not work. Made a sector image and the restored disk did not boot.
HDD Raw works.
Another note. You have to prep the target disk with HDD Raw by clearing the partitions.

[Tubs]

there will probably be a Nextcloud backup feature in the near future so you can just upload the config files automatically.

This is a good idea. I like Nextcloud.

But why not put simple FTP or SFTP on the list of to-dos before implementing all availiable cloud services in this world? I assume with only FTP you can already reach a big target group.

[fabian]

But why not put simple FTP or SFTP on the list of to-dos before implementing all availiable cloud services in this world? I assume with only FTP you can already reach a big target group.

FTP is insecure and problematic when NAT is used and SCP is already available for experimenting if desired (experimental plugin), and may be integrated into core in the future like Nextcloud and Google Drive.

[elektroinside]

@elektroinside there will probably be a Nextcloud backup feature in the near future so you can just upload the config files automatically.

That's very nice.

What is disappointing is that Macrium fails (at the moment)... didn't expect that, it never failed on me, with anything.

Thanks dcol for the report!

[dcol]

I don't like or trust cloud apps. Will never use them.

Macrium is great in Windows, but apparently not so good with other OS'es.

Unfortunately doing a hard backup like this is the only way to get a full backup of OPNsense. Using the configuration backup or the cloud does not install packages or any customization's you may have installed.

[elektroinside]

Yeah, and in my case it's the only way to avoid reinstalling 17.5 first, then upgrade, if i want a "clean & fresh" install.

[bartjsmit]

I don't like or trust cloud apps. Will never use them.

NextCloud has an on-premises version https://nextcloud.com/athome/

Bart...

[dcol]

Nextcloud Server does not support Microsoft Windows. Otherwise I would consider it.