Request for advice on reinstalling AIO while keeping all user data and settings

ℹ️ Support
, ,
1

Hi,

I’d like to ask for some advice regarding my long-running Nextcloud AIO setup.
I’ve been running it for about three years without any reinstallation, but recently I’ve started to experience more and more issues — mainly frequent service crashes and the inability to reinstall or update certain apps.

Because of that, I’m considering a clean reinstallation of Nextcloud AIO (version 11.11.0) while keeping Nextcloud v31.0.10 on Ubuntu 24.04 (latest updates).

My goal is to preserve all user data, accounts, and settings, and basically reinstall only the “AIO engine” itself (Docker containers and system stack).

Currently, my backups are handled through Proxmox Backup Server, which is great for disaster recovery but doesn’t help with what I’m trying to achieve — a clean rebuild without bringing back existing issues.

So my question is:
:backhand_index_pointing_right: Is there any supported or recommended way to back up and later restore everything (database, config, users, apps, files) into a freshly installed AIO environment?

I’m aware that AIO includes an integrated BorgBackup feature, but I’ve never used it before and I’m not sure whether it’s suitable for this specific scenario.

Environment details:

  • Nextcloud AIO: 11.11.0

  • Nextcloud version: 31.0.10

  • Host OS: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (latest updates)

  • Virtualized on Proxmox VE, with backups handled by Proxmox Backup Server

2

Hi, I can highly recommend the integrated borg backup solution. See GitHub - nextcloud/all-in-one: 📦 The official Nextcloud installation method. Provides easy deployment and maintenance with most features included in this one Nextcloud instance.

3

I might have overlooked this in the documentation, but could someone clarify what ownership and file permissions should be set on the directory where BorgBackup stores its data when running Nextcloud AIO on Linux?

I just want to make sure the container has the correct write access before I initialize the repository.

Happy for any clarification.

4

Usually any permissions are possible as long as root access is not prohibited. The backup solutions uses the root user to read and write the backup archive.

5

BorgBackup successfully started and 1st backup made.
I want to ask 2 things before I get to the reinstallation.

  1. Will it be enough to just back up the encryption key for restoring from backup or something else?
  2. Where can I set the time when the daily backup is started?

I set the number of backups in the mastercontainer configuration.

6

I think this is described in the link I’ve sent above…

You can set the time for daily backups after the first backup is successful.

7

I don’t know if I made a problem by not entering the passkey but I only have the encryption key.

Is there any way to reset the Borgbackup settings and start the entire Borgbackup setup over again?

8

The encryption key is enough. Which key are you looking for?

9

I ran a Borgbackup backup and then I read that I should have saved the Passkey as well, not just the encryption key.
This made me unsure, as I am not aware that I entered a Passkey.
I have the encryption key saved.

10

Ok. The encryption key is enough to restore the backup.

1 Like
11

@szaimen

I’ve prepared a draft plan for how I intend to perform a clean reinstallation of Nextcloud AIO while keeping my existing BorgBackup repository ready for restore.

Here’s the outline of the procedure I’ve come up with:

:repeat_button: Nextcloud AIO reinstallation – brief overview

  1. Verify and back up current state (BorgBackup + Proxmox Backup)

  2. Stop running containers (can be done via Portainer – Containers → Stop All or Nextcloud Admin settiongs)

  3. Remove running containers (can be done via Portainer – Remove All Stopped)

  4. Stop and remove mastercontainer (also possible in Portainer or docker compose down)

  5. Remove AIO volumes (Portainer – Volumes → Remove)

  6. Remove AIO networks (Portainer – Networks → Remove)

  7. Remove unused Docker image cache (Portainer – Images → Remove Unused)

  8. Start new AIO mastercontainer (via CLI)

  9. Access AIO UI and perform basic setup

  10. Set BorgBackup repository path

  11. Restore system from BorgBackup snapshot

  12. Start all containers (Nextcloud setup admin page)

  13. Verify Nextcloud functionality (Portainer – Logs / Health Status)

  14. Clean up temporary or backup directories

  15. Verify timezone and health status

Could you take a quick look at this plan and let me know if the order of steps looks correct, or if I’m missing anything important?
I’d like to make sure I follow the safest possible process before proceeding.