Automation library · Integrations

Back up Linux servers to a remote server with Borg and SSH

Started by someone submitting a form, and works across n8n data table. 15 steps, 1 branch: a working afternoon to understand properly.

Medium

Download free
15 stepsMedium: a working afternoon
1Branch: places the flow splits
0Loops or waits
1Service it connects to

The flow

Starts it 2Logic 3Service 10

The steps in the order they run, from what starts it.

  1. 1Run Scheduled BackupSchedule triggerStarts it
  2. 2When Backup Setup Form SubmittedForm triggerStarts it
  3. 3Load Backup ConfigurationData TableService
  4. 4Build Backup Config CodeCodeLogic
  5. 5Install Borg on Source ServerSshService
  6. 6Store Borg Passphrase on Source ServerSshService
  7. 7Install Borg on Destination ServerSshService
  8. 8Initialize Configuration TableData TableService
  9. 9Source: Check & Get SSH KeySshService
  10. 10Save Backup ConfigurationData TableService
  11. 11Parse SSH Setup ResultCodeLogic
  12. 12Destination: Create Restricted borg_backup UserSshService
  13. 13Route by Backup ModeIfLogic
  14. 14Create Single Up-to-date Backup (Borg, pruned)SshService
  15. 15Create Borg Backup and Push to Second ServerSshService

How it's built

Starts on
Someone submitting a form
Steps
15, with 1 branch
Size
Medium: a working afternoon
Connects to
n8n data table
Model
None. This is plumbing, not judgement

Questions

What does it need to run?

An n8n account. You connect your own accounts after importing it; none are included.

What starts it?

It starts on someone submitting a form.

Does it use AI?

No. Every step is fixed logic or a call to a service, so it does the same thing every time.

How long does it take to set up?

Plan an afternoon. 15 steps is enough that you should read each one before running it.

How do I import it?

Copy the workflow, open a new workflow in n8n and paste. The steps appear on the canvas, ready for your own accounts.

Before you run it

Nothing here has been tested by us. It is somebody's working automation, read and described from its own steps. Treat the connections it wants as a list of accounts it will touch, and read the 15 steps before you point it at anything that matters.