I have to do an upgrade on a server running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS with 200 GB of data on it. What I know so far, is that I must do a clean install for the Ubuntu 20.04 server (upgrading is not an option between the two versions).
The question would be, how can I upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04 with keeping the data safe?
I thought something like making a new partition from the rest of the free space (4 TB total, 200GB used), and install the new system on it, so the previous data will be untouched and I will be able to mount it anytime on the new system.
Can I make this happen with an Ubuntu 20.04 LTS server installer?
Context: The previous administrator left and I have to make this upgrade, where we host web and email servers for ourselves.
I am quiet new to the Linux ecosystem in this field, so I may say some silly things :).
Thank you in advance!
Best Answer
If this is your production web and email server, then it's likely that something will break when attempting this upgrade. My advice would be to do a fresh install on a new machine, copy your data across, get it all working, then turn off the old server after verifying that the new one works as a replacement. If you can't get a new machine, then plug in an extra hard drive, do the install to the new hard drive (if you are unsure, physically disconnect the cable from the old drive while running the installer). After install, boot, mount the old drive read-only, copy the data, and verify the new install. Once you are happy that everything works as it should, don't delete/repartition/alter the existing drive, just swap it out for the new one. With this approach, if something goes wrong, you can always revert back to the old machine (or drive) quickly and easily.