Partition Backing Up and Restoring Tools

Partimage

Partimage is an excellent tool for taking backup of any partition. But please note that when you restore, the partition size should be the same as the original partition size. If it is less, the restore will not take place and if it is more the extra space will be wasted. Also the partition should not be mounted if you are taking a backup. As of version 0.6.0, partitions can be saved across the network.

Dump/Restore Utilities

Dump/Restore Utilities overcome some of the limitations of partimage but it can be used only on ext2 filesystem.

Dump examines files in a filesystem, determines which ones need to be backed up, and copies those files to a specified disk, tape or other storage medium. Subsequent incremental backups can then be layered on top of the full backup.

The restore command performs the inverse function of dump; it can restore a full backup of a filesystem. Single files and directory subtrees may also be restored from full or partial backups in interractive mode.

For dumping a full partition, run:
# dump -0vz -f /mnt/hda4/impdata.gz /dev/hda7

For restoring the dumped file of a full partition, format the destination partition, mount it, enter the mount directory and run:
# restore rf /mnt/hda4/impdata.gz

For more info on how to use dump/restore, refer Backup with dump and restore on Linux mini-HOWTO

Entire hard disk backup using g4u

g4u is an excellent tool for taking backup of the entire hard disk. I had used it once which I have documented here.