If you want to create a backup of an existing boot environment, for example, prior to modifying the original boot environment, you can use the beadm command to create and mount a new boot environment that is a clone of your active boot environment. This clone is listed as an alternate boot environment in the GRUB menu for x86 systems or in the boot menu for SPARC systems.

When you clone a boot environment by using the beadm create command, all supported zones in that boot environment are copied into the new boot environment.

How to Create a Boot Environment

1. Become the root role.

2. Create the boot environment.

# beadm create BeName

BeName is a variable for the name of the new boot environment. This new boot environment is inactive.

3. (Optional) Use the beadm mount command to mount the new boot environment.

# beadm mount BeName mount-point

Note: If the directory for the mount point does not exist, the beadm utility creates the directory, then mounts the boot environment on that directory.

If the boot environment is already mounted, the beadm mount command fails and does not remount the boot environment at the newly specified location.

4. (Optional) Activate the boot environment.

# beadm activate BeName

BeName is a variable for the name of the boot environment to be activated.

On reboot, the newly active boot environment is displayed as the default selection in the x86 GRUB menu or the SPARC boot menu.