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Proxmox - Debian Maintenance Guide

Complete Process: Create and Run proxmox-maint from Anywhere

Works on Proxmox VE ⅞ or Debian 11/12

Step 1: Create the /root/Scripts/ Directory

If the directory doesn't already exist, create it:

mkdir -p /root/Scripts

Step 2: Create the Script File with nano

Open nano to create the script file:

nano /root/Scripts/proxmox-maint.sh

Step 3: Paste the Script into Nano

Paste this complete script inside the editor:

#!/bin/sh
set -e

echo "Updating APT cache..."
apt update

echo "⬆Running dist-upgrade..."
apt dist-upgrade -y

echo "Cleaning up unused packages and cache..."
apt autoremove -y
apt autoclean
apt clean

echo "Purging old config packages..."
dpkg -l | awk '/^rc/ { print $2 }' | xargs -r apt purge -y

echo "Vacuuming old journal logs (7d)..."
journalctl --vacuum-time=7d

echo "Checking disk usage..."
df -h

echo "Checking ZFS pool status (if installed)..."
if command -v zpool &>/dev/null; then
  zpool status
  zfs list
else
  echo "ZFS not installed or in use."
fi

echo "Proxmox maintenance complete."

Save and Exit nano

  • Press CTRL+O, then Enter to save
  • Press CTRL+X to exit

Step 4: Make the Script Executable

Make the script executable with the following command:

chmod +x /root/Scripts/proxmox-maint.sh

You can test it manually at this point by running:

/root/Scripts/proxmox-maint.sh

Create a symbolic link to make the script accessible from anywhere:

ln -s /root/Scripts/proxmox-maint.sh /usr/local/bin/proxmox-maint

Now you can run the script from anywhere like this:

proxmox-maint

No need to use ./ or give the full path.

Step 6: (Optional) Confirm It Works from Anywhere

Try running the script from your home directory to verify it works:

cd ~
proxmox-maint

Step 7: (Optional) View Script Location with which

Verify the symlink is working correctly:

which proxmox-maint

Should output:

/usr/local/bin/proxmox-maint

You're Done!

You now have:

  • A reusable, version-controlled script in /root/Scripts/
  • Executable from anywhere via proxmox-maint
  • Clean output showing each maintenance step
  • Safe for use on Proxmox (Debian-based) systems