How to Install Systemback on Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint

Systemback is a powerful tool for creating backups, restoring systems, and even cloning your current setup. While it’s no longer actively maintained, it’s still widely used by Linux users who want a simple and effective way to safeguard their systems.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to install Systemback on Debian, Ubuntu, and Linux Mint—step by step.

What Is Systemback?

Systemback creates backups of your entire system, including user configuration files, and lets you restore from those backups with just a few clicks. It can also create a Live ISO image of your current system—perfect for cloning or sharing your setup.

Step 1: Add the Systemback Repository (Unofficial)

Systemback was removed from the official Ubuntu repositories, but you can still install it via an unofficial PPA.

For Ubuntu and Linux Mint:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nemh/systemback
sudo apt update
sudo apt install systemback

If add-apt-repository isn’t available, install it first:

sudo apt install software-properties-common

Step 2: Install Systemback on Debian

Systemback isn’t in the official Debian repositories either, but you can still install it manually.

1. Download the .deb file from a reliable source. Here’s a GitHub mirror with packages: https://github.com/funsoul/Systemback
2. Once downloaded, install the package: sudo dpkg -i systemback*.deb sudo apt install -f # Fix dependencies if needed

Step 3: Run Systemback

Once installed, run Systemback with root privileges:

sudo systemback

You’ll get a graphical interface where you can:

• Create and restore system backups
• Transfer the system to another partition
• Convert a system copy into a bootable ISO image

Troubleshooting

Issue: Systemback won’t start or throws GTK errors.

Fix: Make sure all dependencies are installed. Run:

sudo apt install build-essential qt5-default

Issue: “Failed to open the system files.”

Fix: You must run Systemback as root:

sudo systemback

Final Notes

Even though Systemback is outdated, it still works reliably on many systems. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider tools like Timeshift or Clonezilla for newer distros.

Systemback is great for quickly backing up a working Linux system before a major upgrade or change. Just remember—it’s not actively maintained, so use it with that in mind.

Need help with the install? Drop your questions in the comments—I’ll reply fast.