Editing Introduction to a Self Managed Life: a 13 hour & 28 minute presentation by FUTO software (section)

==== 6.2 DDRescue Guide from Ubuntu Server Live Environment ====

We’re going to boot from the same Ubuntu Server LiveUSB image you created to install Ubuntu Server onto the happycloud host machine.

* Boot from the USB Drive

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# Insert the USB drive into your server.
# Power on the server and enter the boot menu (usually by pressing '''F12''' or another function key).
# Select the '''UEFI option''' for your USB drive.
# Choose to Try Ubuntu Server &amp; do not install it.

* Install ddrescue

# Update package list &amp; install ddrescue:

<pre>sudo apt update
sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt install gddrescue</pre>
<ol start="2" style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li>Check Current Drives (BEFORE Plugging in Source)</li></ol>

<pre>sudo fdisk -l</pre>
Take note of the present drives.

<ol start="3" style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li><p>Connect Source Drive (operating system solid state drive from the happycloud host machine). Either will do. Either connect it physically to an existing SATA/NVME port, or use a USB-SATA or USB-NVME enclosure if this makes it easier for you.</p></li>
<li><p>Wait 5-10 seconds. Be patient.</p></li>
<li><p>Check which drive it is. It will be the new drive that shows up. Make sure the model as well as the size &amp; partitions matches what you are expecting.</p>
<pre>sudo fdisk -l</pre></li>
<li><p>Connect Target Drive (blank identical disk you are making into a backup drive)</p></li>
<li><p>Wait 5-10 seconds. Be patient.</p></li>
<li><p>Check which drive it is. It will be the new drive that shows up. Make sure the model as well as the size &amp; partitions matches what you are expecting.</p>
<pre>sudo fdisk -l</pre></li></ol>

'''TRIPLE CHECK YOUR DEVICES'''

<pre># List all drives again
sudo fdisk -l</pre>
<ol start="9" style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li>Run DDRescue</li></ol>

<pre>sudo ddrescue -f -d -r3 /dev/source /dev/target logfile.log</pre>
For instance, if the source is <code>/dev/sdc</code> &amp; target is <code>/dev/sdd</code>:

<pre>sudo ddrescue -f -d -r3 /dev/sdc /dev/sdd logfile.log</pre>
Option meanings: - <code>-f</code> : Force overwrite target - <code>-d</code> : Use direct disk access - <code>-r3</code>: Number of retry attempts on bad sectors - logfile.log: Saves progress (can resume if interrupted)

'''⚠️ WARNING: ⚠️'''

<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li><p>TRIPLE CHECK device names</p>
<ul>
<li>Wrong device = destroyed data</li>
<li>Source and target reversed = destroyed source</li></ul>
</li>
<li><p>Target MUST be same size or larger than source</p></li>
<li><p>Make sure you’re using whole drives:</p>
<ul>
<li><code>/dev/sdc</code> (correct, whole drive)</li>
<li><code>/dev/sdc1</code> (WRONG, just one partition)</li></ul>
</li>
<li><p>If unsure which is which, unplug/replug and watch:</p>
<pre>sudo dmesg | tail</pre>
<p>It will show new devices added to the linux machine</p></li></ol>

<blockquote>'''IMPORTANT NOTE:''' Always have a physical copy of a known-working server solid state drive. If something wrong, you can quickly restore your system by plugging in the backup drive and be back up in 90 seconds or less.
</blockquote>
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