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FSArchiver
What FSArchiver is
FSArchiver is a free Linux filesystem backup and deployment tool. It saves filesystem contents into compressed archives and can restore them to partitions of a different size or to another filesystem. It works at the file level, retaining permissions, timestamps, links and extended attributes when the kernel supports them. An archive can hold several filesystems, and large archives can be split into files capped at a fixed size.
Supported filesystems include ext2, ext3, ext4, reiserfs, reiser4, xfs, jfs, btrfs, FAT16 and FAT32; FAT can be used for EFI System Partition backup and restore. NTFS support is experimental. Compression options include multithreaded LZO, gzip, bzip2 and LZMA/XZ. Password encryption uses Blowfish through libgcrypt. Checksums help detect damaged archive contents, and restoration can continue with other files while skipping a damaged one. For a filesystem that is in use, FSArchiver recommends backing up an LVM snapshot because changes to a read-write mounted volume during backup can cause problems. It can be installed from Linux distribution packages, as a static binary or by compiling from source, and is included in SystemRescue. The project recommends its 0.8.x stable release for all users.
Who it suits
FSArchiver suits Linux users who need file-level filesystem archives, including backup or deployment across partitions of different sizes. It may also suit administrators restoring a root filesystem from a live system such as SystemRescue.
What it does well
- Restores archives to differently sized partitions or other filesystems.
- Preserves standard file attributes when supported by the kernel.
- One archive can contain multiple filesystems.
- Offers several listed compression methods and password encryption.
- Checksums help identify damage while allowing other files to be restored.
What to know first
- NTFS support is experimental.
- Btrfs snapshots and other filesystem-specific features are not preserved.
- A read-write mounted volume can have backup problems if files change.
- No cloud image destination, bootable recovery media, or bare-metal restore.
Limits
The software is free under GPL-v2. NTFS support is experimental, and filesystem-specific features such as Btrfs snapshots are not preserved; the listed capabilities do not include cloud image storage, bootable recovery media or bare-metal restore.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| FSArchiver | GPL-v2 licensed software · Linux filesystem archiver | Free |
As fsarchiver.org lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://www.fsarchiver.org/.
- Use a Linux distribution package, download a static binary, or compile from source.
- Alternatively, use the copy included in SystemRescue.
- For a filesystem in use, create an LVM snapshot for the backup.
Verdict
Choose FSArchiver for free Linux filesystem archiving when file-level backups, compression and encrypted archives fit the job. Look elsewhere if you need bare-metal restore, bootable recovery media or a cloud image destination, or if you require NTFS support without its experimental status.
Questions
How much does FSArchiver cost?
FSArchiver is free. Its listed plan is free and the software is GPL-v2 licensed.
Which operating systems and filesystems does it support?
It runs on Linux. Supported filesystems include ext2, ext3, ext4, reiserfs, reiser4, xfs, jfs, btrfs, FAT16 and FAT32; NTFS support is experimental.
Can FSArchiver encrypt archives?
Yes. Archives can be password-encrypted with Blowfish through libgcrypt.
Can it back up a filesystem that is in use?
The project recommends using an LVM snapshot. Backing up a read-write mounted volume can have problems if files change during the backup.
How can I install FSArchiver?
Installation options include Linux distribution packages, a static binary and compiling from source. FSArchiver is also included in SystemRescue.
Does it provide bare-metal restore or bootable recovery media?
No. Those capabilities are listed as unavailable.
Facts from FSArchiver's own pages
- Archive handling
- Large archives can be split into files with a fixed maximum size. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility status
- The status page calls version 0.8.x the latest stable version and recommends it for all users, while noting that NTFS support is experimental. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Compression
- The site lists multithreaded LZO, gzip, bzip2, and LZMA/XZ compression, and its installation page also lists zstd as a build dependency. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Data integrity
- The site describes checksums for archive contents and says that if an archive is corrupt, other files can still be restored while the damaged file is skipped. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The site says archives can be encrypted with a password using Blowfish from libgcrypt. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- File-level backup
- It works at the file level and preserves standard file attributes such as permissions, timestamps, links, and extended attributes when supported by the kernel. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Filesystem support
- The site lists support for major Linux filesystems and FAT filesystems for EFI System Partition backup and restore. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The site describes installation through Linux distribution packages, a static binary, or compiling from source, and says FSArchiver is included in SystemRescue. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The site describes FSArchiver as a filesystem backup and deployment tool and recommends a live system such as SystemRescue for restoring a root filesystem. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Live backups
- The site recommends using an LVM snapshot to back up a filesystem that is in use; backing up a read-write mounted volume can have problems with files changed during backup. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Multiple filesystems
- An archive can contain multiple filesystems. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Notable limitations
- The site says NTFS support is experimental and that filesystem-specific features such as Btrfs snapshots are not preserved. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FSArchiver saves filesystem contents to compressed archives and can restore them to differently sized partitions or different filesystems. · fsarchiver.org, 8 Oct 2026
Where FSArchiver stands on Freedom251
- Disk Imaging Software#9 of 30