I recently switched to iDrive for my backup needs but couldn’t work out how to get it running on Linux. iDrive provide a series of scripts for Debian machines but this is obviously no good for non Debian systems (using Nixos here). I read about a method of hacking the scripts so they think you’re running Debian, but this didn’t work. Anyway, I eventually figured it out and thought I’d share the workaround here in case it’s useful to anyone. The solution is to use Distrobox. Just set up a Debian box there and run the scripts as described. It took me 2-3 goes to get the dependencies installed but now it’s all great and working as intended. Good luck, fellow iDrive users.
You could’ve used rclone?
I didn’t look much into this. I think (but could very well be wrong) that it only works with their S3/E2 packages. And I wanted all the config options provided by the official scripts.
Honestly I would personally use a DIY solution. There are plenty of Linux backup tools and you can always encrypt and upload to a external source
I’m not that tech savvy, and iDrive is cheap 🤣
You can get the scripts and use them directly. See https://www.idrive.com/readme for details. You don’t need Distrobox or anything else.
I have this working on Fedora no problems. Also their customer service is fully supportive and able to answer questions regarding Linux if you need help too, they may even alter the scripts for you if it isn’t working on Nixos if you ask nicely.
Yeah I think it works on Fedora ok. I spoke to customer service, but they told me I was out of luck with Nixos.
Glad to see you found a solution then that works.
To use the native scripts I guess you’d probably have to package it correctly to work with Nixos as it needs Perl which I didn’t consider earlier.
Hehe ^^ I would never have thought of dockerizing my stupid backup-scripts although i work with container-stuff fairly often.
I’ve never dared to try anything other than debian based distros though.
Is that a common approach for non-debian people?
I think the common approach would be to just alter or rewrite the scripts if they are open. Shouldn’t be difficult.
The scripts are loooooooong. And the main problem for me is that Nixos doesn’t use the FHS, so it’s difficult to use standard .deb files.
Wait…the scripts work for iDrive personal? For some reason I thought they were for the e2 storage.
Yeah, the personal backup and sync. Sorry, I didn’t think to make it clear.
No worries at all. You just helped me make a decision. I’ve been an iDrive customer for years but recently switched to Linux for my primary OS and thought I was out of luck regarding the 5TB for $79/yr plan. So I’ll have to investigate further.
