Microsoft Word Hardware Reconfiguration Methodology V final2

Filesystem availability

A determining factor for selecting the appropriate type of backup scheme will depend on whether filesystem(s) can be placed offline. This may vary according to various system requirements and organizational policy. Consider the following:

1. 
   Can the files be safely backed up if the filesystems are mounted? If so, then Tar, Cpio, and Dump can be used. DD should never be used on actively mounted partitions unless the filesystem(s) is quiescent.
   

2. 
   If one or more partitions are placed in read-only mode, can the operating system carry on for the duration of the backup without affecting system stability? If so, then Tar, Cpio, Dump, or DD can be used.
   

3. 
   Will placing filesystems in read-only mode affect applications, services, and user data files? If so, then either backups should be performed during off-hours or if this is not possible, disable the affected services and applications.
   

4. 
   If one or more partitions are placed offline can the operating system carry on for the duration of the backup without affecting system stability? If so, then Dump or DD can be used.
   

5. 
   Will placing filesystems offline affect applications, services, and user data files? If so, then either backups should be performed during off-hours or if this is not possible, disable the affected services and applications.
   

6. 
   Are locked files preventing filesystems from going offline or being made read-only? If so, then by disabling the service or application using the locked file(s) may correct the problem. If it does not, then the system itself may have to be placed offline in order to obtain a backup of the affected filesystem.
   

4.