Reinstalled 11.04 and lost all needed settings, files, etc.

[crazybear]

Having said that, a clean install first should immediately resolve your login problems (and others!). A clean install would only take and hour or two and leave you with a fully working system. As long as you have your documents safely backed up elsewhere, you could then simply restore these back to your new working system.

Regarding your "MANY, MANY programs", assuming they are included in the current Ubuntu repositories (many thousands are there!), installation can be done very quickly. Either use the Ubuntu Software Centre or Synaptic (my preference) if you want a GUI. Multiple programs can also be installed with one line using the terminal. i.e.

sudo apt-get install package1 package2 package3 and so on

ps. Don't forget to ensure that your system is fully updated before installing any new packages. i.e.

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

Again, thanks but I am so VERY FAR [MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!] from even thinking of a clean install I can't even express it here. I know [and you don't - and see you assume otherwise] how complex my software setup was; how much even an expert fought [though prevailed] to set-up some drivers and devices. Please don't waste your time further trying to convince me in that direction. IT WOULD BE A MULTI-MONTH PROJECT, NOT THE CAKEWALK YOU ASSUME! This much I know! It would be a greater nightmare solution, IMO. I don't just do common nor simple things and everything was working just fine.

What I'm asking for it help to overwrite the good old files [extant in three complete sets] over the new single set that was created with the 're-install' over the old installation. I did use the sudo command for nautilus, but had felt i needed to nautilus screens open and the second one would do nothing, though was open...it just gave error messages as I mentioned. I can't drag and drop/overwrite in just one window - or at least I don't know how that would be possible. It seems to me any one of the good sets, if moved to overwrite the new set would set all 'right'. Also no one has address the several times I've mentioned that the system has for reasons uknown locked me out - not honoring either my name of password [either of them]. I also no longer presents the usual screen for log in - but quite a different one. In the NEW file system under user there are my old user name and the new one I created on the re-install.

Please someone help me figure out how to do this [move the old good set of system files over the new - it should do the trick, but I am told I either don't have permission, there is no space for the move [there is 500GB!] or don't know how to construct the command in terminal or have two working nautilus windows with which to do it graphically.

I am not the least bit moved toward a clean install...with good reason. I saw a man who devoted his life for over 55 years to Linus and Linux programming struggle setting up some features of my system....that is all intact in the old files - I could never re-create that...and need not if I can move those files. I start to sound like a broken record. I am unmovable on the issue of a clean install, sorry. Just one program Warrick took the guru days. There were other unusual ones, as well.

Help please.

[Zill]

...Please someone help me figure out how to do this [move the old good set of system files over the new - it should do the trick, but I am told I either don't have permission, there is no space for the move [there is 500GB!] or don't know how to construct the command in terminal or have two working nautilus windows with which to do it graphically...

I regret that you have chosen to reject my advice regarding a reinstall. You have repeatedly been advised how to move any files/directories graphically via the Live CD (Hint: if you only want to use one Nautilus window then hit "F3" within Nautilus!). If you prefer to move files via the terminal then this is equally possible and usage of the cp (copy) command is available from the man (manual) command.

man cp

Similarly to the Nautilus GUI file manager, if you are using the Terminal then you must use the prefix sudo (super-user do) to copy files if you are getting ownership/permissions problems. There is plenty of information available to help you with all this. Unfortunately, if you are unwilling or unable to take the time to learn how to use a Linux OS then I suggest you may not be able to resolve your problem. If you need to have a hands-on "expert" locally to help you out then Linux may not be the best solution, as local help is usually easier to find with other OS's.

I wish you well.

[rewyllys]

Crazybear, you've received good advice in this thread, but are clearly unwilling to experiment on your own. I think Zill hit the nail on the head by suggesting that you would do well to seek a local Linux expert to help you.

If you're in the USA, I suggest that you make use of your local Craigslist. Search on "Linux" under "Services -> Computer", and you'll probably find at least one local person who offers Linux consulting services.

Alternatively, within or outside the USA, you can search on the Web for Linux-enthusiast groups in your local community. Try posting an email to such groups in which you ask for help with your situation.

Good luck!

[steve7777777]

Crazybear, you've received good advice in this thread, but are clearly unwilling to experiment on your own. I think Zill hit the nail on the head by suggesting that you would do well to seek a local Linux expert to help you...

I browsed this entire thread and that's the best advice. Good luck!

[crazybear]

I had what I thought was a good idea.....I had an extra unused HDD and installed 11.04 on it, using my original username and password. I was able to move my folders/files from my username home folder and they are all there....but I'd REALLY like someone to help me make a list of which folders I must move, should move and which not [certainly NOT the newest ones from the over-installation]. Among those I THINK should be moved [from the OLD-ORIGINAL installation] are:
/boot
/stand
/unix
/vmunix
/kernel
/bin
/usr
/sbin
/opt
/etc
/root
/media
/mnt
/var
/dev
/sys
/proc
/lost+found

...but I suspect that some of these are NOT necessary or would cause problems. And certainly if there are ANY OTHERS, let me know. Kindly help. Thanks. I think I'm almost 'there'.....

[crazybear]

Crazybear, you've received good advice in this thread, but are clearly unwilling to experiment on your own. I think Zill hit the nail on the head by suggesting that you would do well to seek a local Linux expert to help you.

If you're in the USA, I suggest that you make use of your local Craigslist. Search on "Linux" under "Services -> Computer", and you'll probably find at least one local person who offers Linux consulting services.

Alternatively, within or outside the USA, you can search on the Web for Linux-enthusiast groups in your local community. Try posting an email to such groups in which you ask for help with your situation.

Good luck!

I am an American in a non-Western foreign country. There are few locals and a small expat community who would help out - and many of those few wouldn't be able to communicate well or at all. I'm also unusually poor at the moment, and wouldn't be able to hire a professional - who would charge a foreigner much more than a local. Local groups likely exist, but would deal in the local language which I can't handle more than buying groceries and such. But thanks anyway. What I can't figure, is why no one answers my direct questions, but instead seems to just points me to local help or starting all over. I think some of you with the experience had really consider whether you are offering help or resting on your laurels and looking down your noses at those who don't know as much. Just sayin'. Perhaps you mean well and perhaps you think my life is more normative than it is. I left America under death threats for political whistleblowing and all my money and property were taken. I didn't mention that this 'incident' involved a man with a key to my flat, entering, smashing my computer and nearly destroying it completely....and taking many of the disks. Life is sometimes more complex than it seems on the surface. As for help here....I'm still hoping, but feel I'm constantly pointed in another direction - perhaps with the best intentions. I don't feel a sense of 'community' if that is what it is supposed to be. I was chided by someone with many beans for posting in desperation on the backup and restore thread. You with more normal lives and better understanding of Linux can pat yourselves on the back - or try to help out. I could use it. Thanks. Sorry for the rant. I'll probably regret some of above, but it is all true. It will turn many off [especially in the USA]...some it may touch a chord in. In fact I did have a Linux 'guru' who was very helpful. I thought he had died [he was on in years; as am I!], but it turns out he is traveling - but he said when back he'd not help - the smashed computer incident made him want to blame the victim. I am struggling to re-assemble the computer and Windows as I struggle with Ubuntu - although I'm much more familiar with those than I am with Ubuntu and Linux....that was something recent. NB - I also have limited time, as the landlord is about to force me to move due to the break-in and all....and I may be semi-homeless for a while and need to get computer things done NOW [its all destop - no laptop!]..or it may be until Fall...and that could be fatal to near fatal...thus the sense of mild panic one might detect in my posts. Sorry, all truth. Near meldown. Sorry.

[Zill]

...What I can't figure, is why no one answers my direct questions, but instead seems to just take the easy way and point me to paid help [I thought that was against the whole idea of Linux] or starting all over...

The reason "no one answers my direct questions" is that they appear to be illogical. For example, the list of directories you provided in post #25 above is different to that in a default Ubuntu installation. As such, you cannot just copy these random directories into a new installation and expect it to work as per your original system. A Linux system has heavily integrated links and, unless you really know what you are doing, you will simply break your new installation again.

A complete Linux system consist of the Linux kernel, programs and data (documents etc.). The kernel and the programs are generally regarded as separate from the data. The initial installation installs the kernel and sufficient programs to allow a user to get started. The user/administrator can then install additional programs as desired.

Once this has been done, a user can then create or modify data. As this is generally kept within the user's home directory, this data is totally separate from the rest of the OS (the kernel and the programs). Following an upgrade or reinstallation this makes it very easy to retain data (in the home directory) and this can then be used with the upgraded or new installation.

So, to answer your question, you just need to retain/copy your /home/user directory as this should contain all your data. However, you will have to reinstall any programs you added to the default installation to ensure that all the links to the rest of the OS are built correctly.

BTW, to correct a misunderstanding, I did not actually suggest you look for paid help with Linux. I suggested that, as local Linux support is often not readily available, moving to a more "popular" OS might make a local "expert" easier to find (hopefully free!).

[crazybear]

I understand that I didn't use the normal 'tar' backup and restore, but I did clone the drive from two months ago [good enough for me - all was fine and I have the small differences elsewhere] on a separate disk. Additionally, the original helper [who will help me no more due to the computer attack....go figure how many like to blame the victim - he even knows why [which I'll not put up here] and I'd think with my value system that would make him more sympathetic, not unsympathetic...but I digress....]
set up a special folder called Ubuntucopy; which kept a copy [updated ever so often] of the rest of the important folders [he would know what is important!]. I realize it would be easier for someone to help by my side, but this is likely not possible. Talking me through it - teaching me what I need to know or having someone do a remote computer set-up. I now HAVE a new install, but it is empty of SO many things I need. I have the old History too....some of it I can relate to what it was about; other parts not - and the responses are not shown, of course. I'm really exhausted - mentally and physically by the whole thing and am running out of time and could be without computer over the entire summer - meaning no income and little communication. He set it up so I could move things back if something went wrong and now I'm sort of told by others I can't. He, I'm sure could...but for his own reasons wants nothing more to do with it. Sigh. I realize the folders are inter-related; but a wholesale return of a set of them [the right set] all copied at the same time should work. No? I admit I do not know which to include and which maybe to exclude - nor exactly how to fail-safe move them. That is why I made the new disk...to try...if I mess up, I can reformat and try again. But helpful suggestions until someone can sit next to me would greatly be appreciated. I have just put an ad in the expat-English-speaking community website..but I'm not holding my breath. I did last time when I got my guru...but it was a one month wait, I believe. I don't have a month now.

[crazybear]

This is what I got [an excerpt minus more negative stuff on my past and 'blame the victim stuff' I removed as not relevant] from my ex Linux-guru.

"I've spent many hours already building our system for you. I'm not used to working with people so prone to disaster, and I don't enjoy it - and if you're losing machines to enemy action, you ought to face the fact that it's your life that needs fixing, not your computer! I'm not good at those things.

You obviously can see the files you've lost, if only by running under the live CD and re-mounting your old partitions on a new directory (a well-documented procedure.) If you have a new disk with space, or a CD writer, there should be no problem in copying them off. Use tar to collect a whole tree of files into one file and copy that, or learn a simple bit of shell script to identify all the files you want, and copy them serially & individually. Your home directory will be one tree to copy; /etc is useful as it contains most of your system settings, and possibly later files in .../bin & .../lib may contain unusual drivers, etc. Most of the 'special' work I did for you (your printer, 802.11n, etc.) will probably be standard now, as linux tends to catch up with new hardware, after some delay. I wish you luck, but I absolutely do not have time to come & do the work for you."

My question is: what exactly does it mean to re-mount my old partitions on a new directory? Procedure? I think I can tar, but need to know what to tar and then where to put all. Thanks.

[Zill]

Did you actually read what your "ex Linux-guru" has told you? He has precisely answered your questions.

"...You obviously can see the files you've lost, if only by running under the live CD and re-mounting your old partitions on a new directory (a well-documented procedure.) If you have a new disk with space, or a CD writer, there should be no problem in copying them off. Use tar to collect a whole tree of files into one file and copy that, or learn a simple bit of shell script to identify all the files you want, and copy them serially & individually. Your home directory will be one tree to copy; /etc is useful as it contains most of your system settings, and possibly later files in .../bin & .../lib may contain unusual drivers, etc. Most of the 'special' work I did for you (your printer, 802.11n, etc.) will probably be standard now, as linux tends to catch up with new hardware, after some delay. I wish you luck, but I absolutely do not have time to come & do the work for you."

My question is: what exactly does it mean to re-mount my old partitions on a new directory? Procedure? I think I can tar, but need to know what to tar and then where to put all. Thanks.

Clue: when someone refers to "a well-documented procedure" you could do worse than try a quick search on Google!

In addition, the Ubuntu Community Documentation is chock full of useful information. eg.

Mount