Re: [SQL] Data recovery

Bob Kruger <bkruger@mindspring.com> writes:
> I am recovering a system from a complete HD crash.
> I have a backup of the Postgres data directory, e.g.
> /usr/local/pgsql/data/base.
> Is there a way or method to have Postgres pick these databases up again?
> The version of Postgres run in this machine was/is 6.4.2.

If you have a backup of the whole pgsql/data directory, just reinstall
the same Postgres release, restore the data directory (instead of doing
an initdb), and you should be in fat city.

If you only have the data/base subdirectory, you will need to work
harder; you'll have to regenerate the top-level files.  I think if you
get pg_shadow and pg_database right you will be OK.  First, install and
initdb to get a basic set of files.  You will need to recall the old set
of users (including their userIDs) in order to reconstruct pg_shadow.
After you've done the createusers, issue a createdb for each old
database (subdirectory of base/) so that they have entries in
pg_database.  Then, shut down the postmaster, blow away the contents of
the base/ subdirectory and restore it from tape, and restart.  I think
it'll work...

In any case it's critical to install the same Postgres version you
were using.

            regards, tom lane