This guide explains how to perform a full server migration from your old server to your new server using CloneZilla.
Prerequisites
- Access to both servers (old and new) via SSH or KVM/KVMoIP
- CloneZilla is available on our dedicated servers in the “Rescue System” via our installer and launched through PXE.
- On our virtual servers (vServers), CloneZilla can be mounted as an ISO image.
- Network connectivity between the old and the new server is required.
1. Preparation
Start CloneZilla on the old dedicated server via the Rescue System by using PXE boot — or on the old vServer by mounting the ISO image.
Log in via SSH: use the username “user” and your configured password to connect over port 22 to the old server.
Start CloneZilla manually:
sudo clonezilla
If CloneZilla was loaded via ISO:
2. Transferring the data over the network
On the source system, select the menu option “remote-source” to clone the disk directly over the network.
Select “Beginner”, then “disk_to_remote_disk”, and choose the appropriate source disk. You may need to configure the network by entering the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Otherwise, confirm all prompts with OK or ENTER.
Connect to the target server (as described in section 1). On the target system, select the “remote-dest” menu option and enter the source system’s IP address when prompted.
In the selection menu for the target disks, choose the appropriate disk, mark it with the space bar, and then confirm with OK or ENTER.
You may also need to configure the network here by entering the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
The transfer starts automatically after the final confirmation.
3. Post-processing
Adjust the network configuration: If the network interface names or IP addresses have changed, update the configuration files accordingly.
Update the bootloader: If the system does not boot, it may be necessary to reinstall GRUB.
sudo grub-install /dev/sdX sudo update-grub
Test all services on the new server to ensure everything is running correctly.
Additional resources
CloneZilla documentation: https://clonezilla.org/documentation/
CloneZilla forum: https://sourceforge.net/projects/clonezilla/forums/