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How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the network?

Posted: 04 May 2017, 20:24
by bp2017
Hello everyone.

I need to transfer files from my unbootable laptop's HDD to another laptop over the network using live USB stick with Porteus on it. I wonder how easily this task can be accomplished.

Does Porteus discover computers on the network automatically similar to Windows or there's some manual setup that needs to take place?

I will appreciate your help in clarifying this.

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 04 May 2017, 21:29
by Bogomips
Welcome to Porteus. Should be quite easy. One of our network wallahs should be along any moment now to help you out. :)

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 05 May 2017, 18:37
by snake_wolf
Bogomips wrote:Welcome to Porteus. Should be quite easy. One of our network wallahs should be along any moment now to help you out. :)
yes i was wondering what is the command netdiscover is in slackware cuz i was typing netdiscover on kali and it was working quite good idr if it was a tool or it of the basis of the kernel

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 05 May 2017, 23:20
by KnallKopf
you can use 'ssh' and 'scp' but note you
can not write with root rights

on the unbootable laptop:

Code: Select all

ifconfig
look which IP does your Laptop have
start ssh-server

Code: Select all

sh /etc/rc.d/rc.sshd start
On the other PC:

Code: Select all

ifconfig
# check the IP-Adress
ssh -l guest <IP-of-your-Laptop> # login on the laptop
# now you are working on the laptop
# if you need you can get rootrights on it:
# su -
scp /path/single-file guest@<IP-Of-Your-PC>://home/guest # write single-file from laptop to the PC at /home/guest/single-file
# note you can only write as user guest
scp -r /path/whole-directory guest@<IP-Of-Your-PC>://home/guest # copy the whole directory
exit # go back
be carefull do not confuse the computer

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 06 May 2017, 01:53
by Bogomips
Was thinking rsync, but then have to have rsync on both machines. If other is windoze, don't know how it plays out. :unknown:

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 06 May 2017, 02:41
by hypomania
If PC unbootable even from usb or live cd, then how transfer services will work ?
If just light lamp and you hear it, then you can take off the harddisk and connect it as external usb.

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 06 May 2017, 04:58
by Ed_P
I like your idea hypomania. Another thought would be to put the removed harddrive in a USB external hdd enclosure case. :good:

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 06 May 2017, 18:12
by bp2017
KnallKopf, thank you very much for the detailed instructions. That's what I was looking for.
hypomania wrote:If PC unbootable even from usb or live cd, then how transfer services will work ?
In my case the system doesn't boot from HDD and for some reason can't launch setup from DVD-drive (which is surprising) but I suspect a live USB stick would work (although it's yet to be checked).
hypomania wrote:If just light lamp and you hear it, then you can take off the harddisk and connect it as external usb.
I'm saving this option as a last resort since it requires a USB adapter (I don't have) and tempering with internal hardware (to be avoided).

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 06 May 2017, 20:43
by Ed_P
bp2017 wrote:a USB adapter (I don't have)
Not expensive and what I have. http://www.staples.com/Insten-POTHSATA2 ... uct_972925 :)

Note the ifconfig and sshd commands require root mode.

KnallKopf would a vnc module help with this?

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 06 May 2017, 22:11
by brokenman
He is trying to boot from a Porteus USB in order to make the non-booting HD available to the network.

Boot the non-bootable machine into Porteus and then verify that you can access the files through a file manager. If so then you can move to another machine on the network and mount the partition of the HD using mount.cifs (plenty of tutorials on the net). Or simply use the scp file transfer as suggested.

Don't forget to start the ssh daemon after you boot.

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 07 May 2017, 03:07
by hypomania
Here is simple way without alot of terminal commands:-
1- Boot first PC with usb stick and second PC too, both any linux.
2- Make first PC as hosting server by install one of these services 'Apache, Nginx, Lighttpd' or 'Xampp if you have good RAM'.
3- Move or copy or link your files to index folder which it can be 'www or htodcs' under /var or /opt/lampp.
4- Connect both PCs with direct Lan wire or Wifi on same router in network.
5- Open broswer on second PC or even mobile phone, then type first PC IP or full directory such as 192.168.1.2/my_folder.
6- Download using save as, or from terminal use wget to download all contents.

You're free to ask for explination more if something defacult.

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 09 May 2017, 13:05
by babam
bp2017 wrote:Hello everyone.

I need to transfer files from my unbootable laptop's HDD to another laptop over the network using live USB stick with Porteus on it. I wonder how easily this task can be accomplished.

Does Porteus discover computers on the network automatically similar to Windows or there's some manual setup that needs to take place?

I will appreciate your help in clarifying this.
Install this http://www.zuzuf.net/qshare/files.php on Unbootable PC/Laptop or install on other PC/Laptop.

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 09 May 2017, 14:54
by Ed_P
babam wrote:Install this http://www.zuzuf.net/qshare/files.php on Unbootable PC/Laptop or install on other PC/Laptop.
Interesting. http://www.zuzuf.net/qshare/index.php

Have you tried it with Porteus?

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 09 May 2017, 15:49
by babam
Ed_P wrote:
babam wrote:Install this http://www.zuzuf.net/qshare/files.php on Unbootable PC/Laptop or install on other PC/Laptop.
Interesting. http://www.zuzuf.net/qshare/index.php

Have you tried it with Porteus?
Yes, Qt4 is required.

Re: How to transfer files from unbootable PC over the networ

Posted: 09 May 2017, 16:01
by Ed_P
babam wrote:
Ed_P wrote:Interesting. http://www.zuzuf.net/qshare/index.php

Have you tried it with Porteus?
Yes, Qt4 is required.
Do you have it and qshare as a Porteus module for someone to download?