I have a computer running Ubuntu 14.04 partitioned like so:
/dev/sda1 --- FAT32 --- 476Mb/4,32Mb used --- boot
unallocated ----------- 1Mb
/dev/sda3 --- ext4 --- 112,27Gb/22,26Gb used --- mount point: /
/dev/sda4 --- ext4 --- 349,30Gb/88,38Gb used --- mount point: /home
/dev/sda2 --- swap --- 3,73Gb/0B used
This computer belonged to a former colleague at work. The Ubuntu install is a bit gobbled up and has probably been broken beyond repair. The problem is this machine also probably has data on it that cannot be lost, but ATM, no one is here to figure out what needs to be backed up.
I thought of simply copying the entire partition to a folder(?) on the bigger partition, but IDK if this will miss something important I should backup as well. I would like to be able to "browse" the backup data with the file manager/terminal if need be, but make room for a clean install on the original filesystem partition (if I'm not mistaken, sda3).
If anyone has any insight they can share, I would be very grateful.
EDIT
The computer in question is a laptop, and I don't have means of adding other hard drive (no disk bay/external adapter available). Also, there is no network storage or similar system deployed here ATM.
At most, I could grab a external USB drive and use it to backup everything, but I would prefer not to, as it is mine (not the company's) and I think it isn't in the best condition either.