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Advanced: Downloading a Raw Disk Image (dd) via SSH

For advanced migration purposes, you can use ssh combined with dd to create a bit-by-bit copy of your VPS disk and download it to your local machine.

Support Disclaimer:
This is an advanced procedure intended for experienced Linux users. Tilaa Support cannot assist with debugging local network issues, file conversions, or the usage of dd.
For standard backups, please use our Snapshot or Managed Backup service.

Prerequisites

  • Disk Space: Ensure your local computer has enough free space to store the full size of the VPS disk (e.g., if you have a 100GB VPS, you need 100GB free locally).
  • Local Terminal:

Step-by-step Guide

  1. Boot into Rescue Mode.
    To ensure data consistency, the disk must not be in use. Boot your VPS into Rescue Mode first.

  2. Prepare the Command.
    Open the terminal on your local computer (not the VPS). You will run the command from there to "pull" the data.

  3. Execute the Download.
    Run the following command. Replace 192.168.1.1 with your VPS IP address.

    ssh root@192.168.1.1 "dd if=/dev/vda status=progress" | dd of=tilaa-backup.img

    This will prompt for your root password (unless you added SSH keys to the Rescue Mode environment).

Pro Tip: Use Compression (Faster)
Transferring raw data takes a long time. You can compress the stream on the fly to speed up the download significantly:

ssh root@1.2.3.4 "dd if=/dev/vda status=progress | gzip -1 -" | gzip -d > tilaa-backup.img

Next Steps

Once the download is complete, you have a raw .img file. You can convert this file for use with virtualization software:

  • VirtualBox: VBoxManage convertfromraw tilaa-backup.img tilaa-backup.vdi
  • VMware: Use the qemu-img tool to convert to .vmdk.