backing up filesystem

[sameer.india]

Is it possible to backup the filesystem so that we can format the root partition without losing all the applications, updates or any other changes that i made to the file system

[manurakesh]

try this thread: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1068764. I got a similar problem solved (only if you want to save yourself from updating the system's packages over again).

[sameer.india]

it is not about just updating packages
i want to know if i can preserve all my settings
as if nothing had happened

[SuperSonic4]

Settings are kept in /home so if you have a separate /home partition you should have no problem. You'll need to reinstall the programs though

[perlluver]

http://www.remastersys.klikit-linux.com/ubuntu.html, Remastersys is supposed to be able to make a backup like you are asking, It will make a backup of the whole system, and burn it to a disc.