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(Help!)Backing up applications into a .deb file

Hi.
Is it possible to backup our current applications separately in the .deb format so that we don't have to keep downloading them after a format?

I don't mean backing up the whole OS image, just the apps.

I saw a similar thread but the method used didn't work for me.

Any input is appreciated.

Re: (Help!)Backing up applications into a .deb file

Edit: I am not quite sure what you are trying to do.

EITHER install dpkg-repack

Code:

apt-get update && apt-get install dpkg-repack

to get your applications converted to .deb files. You have to know the exact name of the package to repackage it. Do not forget the hundreds of dependency libs that are necessary to rebuilt the OS.

OR
To get a list of all the packages installed

Code:

dpkg -l|awk '/^ii/{ print $2 }' > apps_installed.txt

To download the packages into /var/cache/apt/archives aka. /opt/var/cache/apt/archives

Code:

apt-get update && apt-get install -dy --reinstall --force-yes$(<apps_installed.txt)

Save this directory to some place. To install later, change into this directory

Code:

dpkg *.deb

There will be a couple of missing dependency errors, but after a dozen or so runs the command will get it sorted out. Those extra commands also try to sort out problems

Code:

dpkg--configure -a

and if things get not sorted you need an internet connection to do

Code:

apt-get install -f

Re: (Help!)Backing up applications into a .deb file

thanks a lot! i'll give it a try & see how it goes. :)

Re: (Help!)Backing up applications into a .deb file

Code:

maemo-list-user-packages | awk '{print $1}' | xargs > apps_installed.txt

might be a bit more useful if you only need user/ packages :)