Moving Server to Another Machine

Operating Systems & Open Source Linux
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1

So I am looking to make an upgrade at some point to my server. It's just a little webserver that I run with Ubuntu Server 14.04. My question is, how easy is it to just move over the hard drive? I'd like to believe I could just drop it in the new system but with drivers and everything I am doubtful. I obviously don't want to lose anything or have to fiddle with many settings beyond what's necessary.

Thoughts?

2
  1. Make a complete backup of the disc - safety first
  2. To answer your question:
    Yes, it generally should be possible to simply move the HDD. Because Linux is a monolithic kernel, it has all the drivers (except high-perfomance GPU drivers) built in. It should work, but be prepared there might be some trouble here or there.
3

Jack makes a good point always have a backup before a major change.

I have two machines, my gaming one and my server, currently my motherboard on my gaming pc crapped out on me so i took the drives out and tossed them into my server and while windows wouldn't start linux didn't give a crap.

gaming system
i7 4790k platform

server
i7 870 platform

4

You can totally move the hardrive to a new box. I have done it from c2duo system stright to an i5 box and it runs out of the box. As long as the OS resides on that 1 single drive you should be gtg. You know what i mean (/boot and / are on the same physical hdd)

5

Linux is really good at changing machines. You shouldn't have an issues if you haven't installed any proprietary drivers.