Re: upgrading an old system

[Swift Griggs <swiftgriggs%gmail.com@localhost>]

On Tue, 16 Aug 2016, Steve Blinkhorn wrote:
> But the disk layout is sorely in need of revision.

I'm not trying to be trite, but have you simply considered using dump(8) 
to backup your filesystems, install your chosen revision, and then restore 
? I haven't been closely following the thread, so I apologize if this 
doesn't work for you for some reason. 

However, here's a case for backup/restore:

1. You won't have to worry about ABI issues (but NetBSD does well here, as 
   discussed). 

2. USB disks and network backup targets are very cheap these days. If you 
   lack good on-site access, a network backup still works if you have some 
   option for that (or simply FTP the compressed dump file somewhere).

3. Most applications keep localized data out of the OS file systems making 
   it pretty easy to move to a new revision. Using the dump(8) utility 
   will save your permissions etc..

> Is the disk layout configuration tool accessible other than through 
> running sysinst, or will I have to bite the bullet and edit the disk 
> label by hand?

I don't think the disklabel format has changed in a loooong time. If it 
helps you, boot a newer revision of NetBSD and use the tool. Then you can 
reboot whatever version you want to install and Just Do It.

-Swift