Backup before new image flash

[generator]

Hi,
how can I backup all PLUGINS(and their settings), before I make system update? Standard backup plugin, create just channels, sat, bouquets, etc. but not installed Plugins.

[morly]

Hi, please be careful with backups - so many problems of users occur because of backups/restores

First: never backup a plugin - just backup some settings
Second: you have two main mechanisms (except just copying files/folders via ftp),

Backup/Restore mechanism of image (therefore a backup gets created and the restore after you install a new image)
Admin Tool: working with rules (much safer way...)

[generator]

So the way to upgrade image is using tool to backup settings and then, after image update, download and install all plugins again, and restore their settings?

[morly]

yes - in my opinion the best choice!
and be aware - when a plugin changes the version the its setting file might be not valid anymore...
and remember - if you always have the same plugins and so the same setting-files this can be automated and done in seconds... (backup+restore)

[generator]

Danke, thanx, thank you for answers :) So I update just "major" image updates. Because "Never touch a running system" :) When is image stable, there is not reason to update each release.

[morly]

Which box are you speaking about?
If you are using a spark or ufs913 you can create a full backup before flashing a new image,
if you don't like the new one you can easily jump back to the old stable one. And the good thing about the full backup: you don't have to install any plugin or adjust settings - as it is a real FULL backup ;)

[Civer]

No, of course there`s no reason to update each release...every second one is enough! :D Like morly wrote, use the Admin Tool and create different backup rules (channellist,plugin settings, enigma2 settings, network settings for example). So individual restores are available after an image update. Creating the rules just take a few minutes and you can use them again and again (or change them individualy when problem arises).

[generator]

I'm new to Enigma, so I collect infos and "wisdom".

morly: My box is Alien 2 (Spark7162) TwinTuner

[morly]

OK - perfect :)
Your box is supported and capable for creating a full flash backup (snapshot of the running image) - just give it a try ;)
(to be found in the HDD/Images Tab)
Can later be flashed via the admin tool or originally via USB stick...

Regarding major releases: is a bit difficult to determine - which is a major one and which not... they are not specifically marked as major releases; this is why I suggest: Backup of the (last) stable image, trying the new ones, and if you are not happy just flash back the backup!