||<>|| Sometimes reinstalling is the quickest way to solve a problem, for example if an upgrade failed or if your graphics driver is broken. When reinstalling, you're most likely want to preserve two things: 1. ```/home folder``` with your files and settings 2. Entries in boot menu (if you have multiple OS installed) = How To Reinstall Ubuntu = Since Hardy it is possible to reinstall Ubuntu '''without losing the content of the /home folder''' (the folder that contains program settings, internet bookmarks, emails and all your documents, music, videos and other user files). This can be done '''even if /home is not on a separate partition''' (which is the case by default if you did not manually separate it when installing Ubuntu originally). This tutorial can also be used to upgrade Ubuntu (eg 11.04 -> 12.04 from a 12.04 live-CD). == Before doing anything == This operation should not damage your documents but, for security, backup your documents and settings (including /home hidden files) on external disk or DVDs. (eg via [[http://clonezilla.org/clonezilla-live.php|CloneZilla]]) '''Note:''' Some special applications settings may be in system folders, eg LAMP, see below in the thread. == Run the Ubuntu installer == 1. Run the UbuntuInstaller 1. Follow the prompts until the "Installation type" (or "Allocate disk space") menu 1. Choose the right option as described below: == Choose the right option == There are two possibilities - choose the one that fits what the installer is showing: - '''If an "Upgrade 1X.XX to 1Y.YY" option is available''' (like in the screenshot below), choose it. {{http://i.stack.imgur.com/Su5Ay.png}} - Or, '''if the above option is not available''', choose manual partitioning ("Something-else" option), then select Ubuntu system partition, set its mount point as "/". '''Be sure to keep the same format type, the same size, and untick the "Format" checkbox or all data on "/" will be deleted!'''. Also set other partitions (/boot, /home... see [[DiskSpace]]) if needed. Then finish the installation process. (this may take several hours, like a normal install) == After reinstalling == After reinstalling, user accounts must be re-created with the '''same login and password.''' == See also == * [[http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=11770332#post11770332|Discussion on the forum]] ---- CategoryInstallation