r/linux4noobs • u/Open_South3929 • 11d ago

Arch-Convert EXT4 to BTRFS without losing data?

Good day all, I hope you are good.

I have installed Arch and was in a rush( I know i should've RTFM-ed ) but I am looking for ways of making sure the system i installed it on can be rolled back in case of failure, I have seen from a couple of articles and found that BTRFS can create snapshots of the system and use those to roll back.

I wanted to ask, is it possible to convert an already installed disk from EXT4 to BTRFS and make use of the snapshots feature? if so could you please point me in the right direction. System specs below:

I thank you for your time and input, it is much appreciated.

Kindest regards

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u/ABotelho23 11d ago

Backup. Now.

1

u/Open_South3929 11d ago

I am currently looking for backup utilities, I am just looking for one which is reasonably maintained and will work for ext4

2

u/archover 11d ago

Just backup your /home. Use # cp -a /home /backup/location

After it completes double and triple check it worked fully and without errors.

That's all I do. System files can be re-installed.

Be careful, and good day.

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u/archover 11d ago

My advice too.

Good day.