Ubuntu

how do I back up all my settings before reinstalling ubuntu?

Asked by Sbn

I want to install a dual-boot system with xp and ubuntu on my laptop.
At the moment I have Ubuntu 8.10 and a lot of settings, certificates, passwords and graphics etc that will be lost if I follow the procedure of installing xp first and then a fresh ubuntu on top. How can I avoid this and still get the dual-boot?

sbn

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Solved
For:
Ubuntu Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Solved by:
sparks
Solved:
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
tmc1961 (tmc1961) said : 		#1

Try this link. It will explain how.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot

Revision history for this message
Best sparks (seth-larson) said : 		#2

Depending on where you're saved your graphics you could make a backup of your /home and /etc and have at least 90% of things backed up.

I'm not certain what kind of certificate backup you want to do. Most software I've used certificates on had its own way of importing/exporting for restore/backup.

/etc should get all of your app settings and your user accounts/passwords
/home should get all your account home directories

When backing them up, put them in tar files making sure to use the p flag.

example: tar cvpzf /backup/20090108UbuntuBackup.tgz /home /etc

when extracting be sure to keep the p flag: tar pzxf 20090108UbuntuBackup.tgz

Revision history for this message
Sbn (esbenvinsnes) said : 		#3

Thanks sparks, that solved my question.