How to copy OS USB to new USB drive?

[Pixeltje]

Hello,

I'm about to change the old USB drive in my FreeNAS system to an new one. I'm afraid the old one will die very soon due to age and usage and before that happens I'd like to have a new USB drive installed.

I know there is a way to copy the contents of the OS drive to another drive, but i can't remember how to do so. Can anyone tell me where to find a walk-through or just describe how it's done?

Thanks!

 

[warri]

If you are using Linux, you could probably copy the contents with dd (you should be able to find some guides via google).
Alternatively, just backup your configuration file via GUI and do a fresh install on the new stick. Then you can import your old configuration.

 

[Pixeltje]

Thanks, i'll try the dd first. If I try to boot FreeNas from the new drive and something has gone wrong (ie: copy gone wrong or files are missing) can i just shut the NAS down and insert the current USB drive to boot again?

 

[warri]

Yes that should work.

 

[gpsguy]

I think YMMV, using the dd command.

I remembered this thread from last year, where the recommendation was "Don't clone FreeNAS USB drives!"