Ubuntu

format of disk

Asked by vishnu

now i am using ubuntu 8.04 version.i did not make any partition while installing this.if i want to install latest version of ubuntu can i format with out loosing of data in my hard disk...pls reply?

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Craig Huffstetler (xq) said : 		#1

I am trying to clarify your intentions. You do want to install the latest version of Ubuntu without loosing any data on your disk, correct?

The easiest way to accomplish this is by following these steps:

1) Go to System/Administration/Software Sources.
2) Go to the "Updates" tab and change "Show new distribution release" to "Normal releases" (the updates tab is the third tab over...).
3) Click RELOAD & wait for it to finish. This window should close.
4) Now go to System/Administration/Update Manager.
5) Click the Check button to check for new updates.
6) If there are any updates to install, install them.
7) Now this window (Update Manager) will tell you there is a new release and you can upgrade to it (Intrepid Ibex - 8.10).
8) Click Upgrade and follow the instructions.

This will upgrade you to the latest stable version of Ubuntu (8.10 - Intrepid Ibex).

You will NOT loose any data as this is an upgrade.

However, if you use an installation disc (CD or otherwise) and boot from it and do a "fresh install" you may loose data if your /home partition is not on a separate partition. This is why it is recommended to keep your /home on a separate partition. This is where your preferences a lot of your personal data is stored, so upon a fresh install or upgrade you will still have it. BUT do not FORMAT the /home partition space. This will cause you to loose that data.

A good guide on upgrading can be found here:
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/upgrading

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Craig Huffstetler (xq) said : 		#2

If you "format" your disk, you will loose all data contained on the partition you format.

Can you help with this problem?

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