Can I "move" Ubuntu to another drive?

I've never tried but it would not be hard to find out, just format the empty partition to ext3 and copy everything over, then add a third entry into grub pointing to the copied partition and with a different title. Boot and choose your new entry and see if it all works... but i'd be concerned with programs hard coded during install to reference device partitions. If it doesn't work then just delete the entry and reformat the partition.
I think this would be better in a forum maybe?

Hi Jayotis,

What would be the best forum?
I'mm move it to a forum when you respond.

Bruce Milmine

Jayotis Diggory wrote:
> Your question #13577 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/13577
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> Jayotis Diggory proposed the following answer:
> I've never tried but it would not be hard to find out, just format the empty partition to ext3 and copy everything over, then add a third entry into grub pointing to the copied partition and with a different title. Boot and choose your new entry and see if it all works... but i'd be concerned with programs hard coded during install to reference device partitions. If it doesn't work then just delete the entry and reformat the partition.
> I think this would be better in a forum maybe?
>

Use Partimage or the 'dd' command:

http://www.brunolinux.com/02-The_Terminal/The_dd_command.html
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_copy_a_Linux_installation
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?t=362506

Hi ex-ep64

Thanks for answering but, I'm a newbie, I think I'll stay away from the
"dd" command for a while.
It looks a little (?) dangerous, especially at my level of understanding.

Bruce Milmine

ex-xp64 wrote:
> Your question #13577 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/13577
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> ex-xp64 proposed the following answer:
> Use Partimage or the 'dd' command:
>
> http://www.brunolinux.com/02-The_Terminal/The_dd_command.html
> http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_copy_a_Linux_installation
> http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?t=362506
>

ex-xp64 has provided you with the proper methods of achieving what you want, you will need to study them carefully. I'm sorry but my forum skills and etiquette are poor so where to start the thread... I don't know. Looks like a neat project, have fun!

Hi Jayotis

I have no doubt about what ex-ep64 said was correct. But, Like I said, I'll wait a while to try it.

I have "bookmarked" all three references, read one completely and part of another.

As you said: "you will need to study them carefully." ... that's what I'm doing.

Since I have the answer, I call this: Solved.
Pending work on my end :)

Bruce Milmine

Hi, I am very much interested in switching to Ubuntu but am really scared to make the transition because I don't have a partition hard drive for one and I am not sure if I will like Ubuntu. I currently have Windows XP on my main computer and Windows Vista on my work computer. I am very familiar with alot of the Linux programs Firefox, OpenOffice, etc. Is there a way that I run and boot Ubuntu from an external hard drive I don't know if that makes sense or not.

>>Also I am curious I don't have a boot disk for my Windows XP how would I make a boot disk if I do decide to switch to Ubuntu permanently?

>>Can anyone tell me what is the difference between THESE UBUNTU LISTED ON THIS SITE
    * What is Ubuntu?
          o Ubuntu Desktop
          o Ubuntu Server
          o Kubuntu
          o Edubuntu
          o Gobuntu
          o Xubuntu
          o Derivatives

Thanks

Hi Mahogany410,

Your "Question" is really mine, it was sent to my email because of this, and has been marked "Solved" so I doubt it anyone else will see it.

You have two options:

   1. Copy and paste your original post to a NEW question asked by you. That way people will see it.
   2. From what I read this would be better in the Forums: http://ubuntuforums.org/

  Note that I'm very new to Linux and Ubuntu too, but let me address a couple of things here:

   1. If you have NERO in your windows, download the "Live CD" ISO file and have NERO create an Ubuntu Live CD. Or use any program you have that can create a CD from an ISO file. NOTE: Copying and ISO file to the CD will NOT work.

   2. Put the CD in your drive and if you need to change your BIOS to make the CD boot before your HD do it.
         NOTE: You can run Ubuntu as long as you want like this, use the internet, test the programs but you cannot save any work or changes. It's just for testing, it will also allow you to find out if you have any hardware problems too. Mine was a perfect install, but I have a very simple system. Just my Palm gave me problems, but jPilot fixed that.

   3. Reboot your computer. UBUNTU will start from the CD and NOT affect your windows programs at all. It will be "slow" because you are using Ubuntu from a slower drive ( CD ) than your HD. But when you actually "Install" it, it will be faster than your Win XP. TRUST ME!

   4. Also, if you have enough space on your HD you can use the install program on the Live CD and it will "shrink" your Win XP partition and put Ubuntu on the new partition.
          For example: I had Win 2000 on a 40G HD, but it only used 16G, Ubuntu shrunk the 40G partition to 20, and installed itself on the freshly freed 20G.

   As to an external drive, I've read that it is possible (even the USB drives) but when you cut and paste your Question to a new question (or, and recommended: Forum > Absolute Beginners Talk) you'll be surprised at the help you will get. The people here are GREAT!
  If you "join" the Forums ... look for me: Bruce M. (That's: Bruce Mperiod)

Solved