How to Clone Ubuntu Server with Clonezilla

Cloning an Ubuntu Server is essential for backup, migration, or deployment of multiple machines with identical configurations. Clonezilla, a powerful open-source disk imaging and cloning tool, makes this process easy and efficient. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to clone your Ubuntu Server using Clonezilla.

Prerequisites

• A USB drive (at least 2GB) for bootable Clonezilla

• Clonezilla Live ISO (downloadable from Clonezilla’s official site)

• A target disk equal to or larger than the source disk

• A backup of important data (recommended)

Steps to Clone Ubuntu Server

1. Create a Bootable Clonezilla USB

• Download the Clonezilla Live ISO.

• Use a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB.

• Insert the USB into the server and restart the machine.

• Enter BIOS and set the USB as the primary boot device.

2. Boot Into Clonezilla Live

• Select Clonezilla Live from the boot menu.

• Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.

• Select Start Clonezilla to begin.

3. Choose the Cloning Mode

Clonezilla offers two primary modes:

• Device-to-Device (disk-to-disk): Clone an entire disk to another.

• Device-to-Image (disk-to-image): Save the disk as an image file for later restoration.

For direct cloning, select device-device.

4. Select the Source and Target Disks

• Choose the source disk (the Ubuntu Server drive you want to clone).

• Select the target disk (the new disk where data will be copied).

• Confirm your selections carefully.

5. Start the Cloning Process

• Choose Begin cloning and confirm when prompted.

• Wait for Clonezilla to complete the cloning process. This may take some time depending on disk size.

• Once finished, Clonezilla will prompt you to reboot or power off.

6. Verify the Cloned System

• Remove the Clonezilla USB and boot from the cloned disk.

• Ensure the cloned Ubuntu Server is working correctly.

Conclusion

Using Clonezilla to clone an Ubuntu Server is a reliable and efficient method for backups and system deployment. By following these steps, you can replicate your server setup with ease.