Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 40

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

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Beans
    13,510
    Distro
    Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty Tahr

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

    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.
    Regards, David.
    Please use the Forum search and Wiki search for immediate help
    Please mark your thread as Solved when appropriate
    New to technical forums?: How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Manila, Philippines
    Beans
    1,886
    Distro
    Ubuntu Development Release

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

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

    Great points! Took note of 'em. Thanks!

    http://lifehacker.com/5146028/save-s...reinstallatoin
    MacBook Air 3,1 128gb | Fujitsu Esprimo U9200 | Google Nexus One

    Pinoy ka ba? | Google Profile | Twitter: @AllanCaeg| Identi.ca: allancaeg

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Beans
    3

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

    /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.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Beans
    2
    Distro
    Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

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

    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'.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Louisiana, USA
    Beans
    96
    Distro
    Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope

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

    Wow, great tip. I had not noticed that option in Synaptic. Thanks!
    You'll never shine if you don't glow

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Beans
    14

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

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

    Code:
    sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list ~/sources.list.backup
    Otherwise if you have added any PPAs or other sources, this tip won't work.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Montreal,Quebec ,canada
    Beans
    205
    Distro
    Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick Meerkat

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

    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.
    http://www.getdeb.net/ http://linux.softpedia.com/
    Can't live without Opera and i hope i have helped you.Don't fear to change.Post your results please so others can use this valuable information.

  8. #8

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

    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:

    Code:
         # dpkg --get-selections "*" >myselections   # or use \*
         # debconf-get-selections > debconfsel.txt
    and the following will reinstall and reconfigure them:

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

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    /home/john/
    Beans
    174
    Distro
    Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

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

    Thanks dude worked like a charm

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Beans
    23

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

    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/

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •