HOWTO Reinstall all of your current packages if you do a fresh Ubuntu install

[dcstar]

People sometimes have to do a reinstall of their Ubuntu system for various reasons (been playing/experimenting with configuration/drivers/other packages or just because something is badly broken) but remembering all the extra packages you have installed can be a chore - but here is the simple solution:


On your old system (assuming it is still working), start up Synaptic and go:

File-Save Markings and choose a file name along with a location (like a USB drive) that you can use when you have installed your new system)

This file contains a list of all your currently installed packages, and when you have installed and booted up your new system (and configured your repositories to the best for your location - as we all do, don't we?) then start up Synaptic and go:

File-Read Markings and point it at your saved file, and after that has completed then select Apply to kick off the download & installation of all of those packages you had installed previously!

There are also apt-get command line functions that achieve the same outcome, so those who don't have/use Synaptic can still do this.

You will still have to do any special configuration changes that you had on the old system, but at least all of the packages are now in the new system.

This is also very handy for moving to new hardware/duplicating setups etc.

Be aware that doing this between different Ubuntu versions may cause complications because some packages may not be in a later version or have different names.

[wersdaluv]

Wow. Already on Lifehacker.com but still got no reply.

Great points! Took note of 'em. Thanks!

http://lifehacker.com/5146028/save-s...reinstallatoin

[iwfur25]

/var/cache/apt/archives contains the downloaded packages. Back it up (if you have the space) and restore it along with the markings and apt won't have to re-download all (or maybe most?) of the packages.

[inod3]

On your old system (assuming it is still working), start up Synaptic and go: File-Save Markings and choose a file name along with a location (like a USB drive) that you can use when you have installed your new system) This file contains a list of all your currently installed packages

Sorry, but its not working for me:

Ubuntu 8.10

System -> administration -> synaptic package manager *click*
File -> Save Marking As... *click*
$ cat <filename>
$

Nothingness. Same for option 'Save Markings'.

[dazzlindonna]

Wow, great tip. I had not noticed that option in Synaptic. Thanks!

[MayOne.Net]

Don't forget to backup your sources before you reinstall.

sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list ~/sources.list.backup

Otherwise if you have added any PPAs or other sources, this tip won't work.

[obscur156]

Hi all,i was doing something look a like but via the terminal.
With one command you can install all your apps in one shot.

Example:

sudo aptitude install firestarter krusader amsn ktorrent amarok devede k3b vlc ksnapshot netspeed audacity timer-applet convertall gtkhash bleachbit

You can install as much as you want,it makes no difference.
You save your command with openoffice word or what ever to a USB KEY (drive) and copy and paste to the terminal on the next install.

Voila,Best regards.

[ZungBang]

According to section 6.4.9 of the Debian Reference Manual, the following will save both the list of packages installed and their debconf configuration:

     # dpkg --get-selections "*" >myselections   # or use \*
     # debconf-get-selections > debconfsel.txt

and the following will reinstall and reconfigure them:

     # dselect update
     # debconf-set-selections < debconfsel.txt
     # dpkg --set-selections <myselections
     # apt-get -u dselect-upgrade    # or dselect install

[johnjohn2]

Thanks dude worked like a charm

[kevmaster]

If you run a server, and don't have a graphical interface, you can still do it with apt:

http://kevin.vanzonneveld.net/techbl...selectupgrade/