[LBo] Another question about /proc

[Tech]

Hi,

I am trying to learn the best way to back-up (copy) my critical data 
from two directories. I have no problem with /etc but I do have problems 
with /var.

Using FC5 and Gnome, I try to drag and drop these 2 folders into my 
backup directory. I also have tried "cp -a" as recommended by Anita -- 
the results seem to be consistent -- the copy process hangs somewhere in 
the /var/named/chroot/..../proc directory. I am running these attempts 
as root.

The system does not hang. I can use my mouse and do other things. Only 
this process hangs. With Gnome, the copy timer just keeps counting 
higher and higher. I have waited a very long time with no change. The 
only way I have found to terminate this process is the reboot.

Can someone tell me why this is happening?  Is there a solution/work-around?

All help / suggestions much appreciated.

Mel