Neil,

What you want to do is called cloning.  You can get instructions on how to do 
this at http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/rs6k/techbrowse/.  Once there click 
on your OS level, type the word clone in filter
selected categories and click on the filter button.  For example for AIX 4.2 
and 4.3 you probably want the document titled "How to Clone an AIX 4.2 and 4.3 
mksysb Tape"

There are many other helpful AIX related documents at this site.

I've cloned several system, the biggest problem I've had is when there are non 
IBM adapters being used.  The devices drivers will not be on the install CD so 
you'll have to have the original manufactures media.
Good luck.

> >>> NPoland AT TTIINC DOT COM 12/05/00 03:34PM >>>
>         Does anyone know of a Redbook or manual that would cover recovering
> an AIX server to a different server type? We will be migrating SP widenodes
> to rackmounted M80s. All the systems have external SSA excluding the
> rootvgs.
>         My concern is when we attempt to restore the rootvgs. Will we have
> to manually go though and restore some system files while skipping others?
> Our rootvgs hold /, /usr/, /etc/, /tmp/, and /home/.
>
>         We haven't started anything so even suggestions on preventive
> measures would be appreciated!
>
> Thanks in advance for any assistance.
>
> Neil Poland