Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: 32 bit to 64 bit

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Beans
    51

    32 bit to 64 bit

    I put a thread up a while about about my computer being 32 bit but this is a different question. I wanted to update my computer with 12.10 64 bit but I have no idea if I do it if I will lose my files (pictures, music, etc.). Will I? If so how do I do this to keep my files?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Russia
    Beans
    83
    Distro
    Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Hi!
    I'd suggest to back up your home directory (do not forget the hidden directories) to some external media (USB hard disk, DVD, whatever). This will back up the files and also your preferences which are usually stored in hidden text files in the home dir. After reinstalling the system, all you have to do is copy the saved data back to the home dir.
    If your home directory is on a separate partition, the things are even simpler. Then you'll have to choose that partition for use as /home at installation and do not format it. All files will be totally safe (although backing up is never a bad idea).
    You'll probably have to install the program you use once again after reinstallation.
    Last edited by Pand5461; November 15th, 2012 at 09:23 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Beans
    51

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Quote Originally Posted by Pand5461 View Post
    Hi!
    I'd suggest to back up your home directory (do not forget the hidden directories) to some external media (USB hard disk, DVD, whatever). This will back up the files and also your preferences which are usually stored in hidden text files in the home dir. After reinstalling the system, all you have to do is copy the saved data back to the home dir.
    If your home directory is on a separate partition, the things are even simpler. Then you'll have to choose that partition for use as /home at installation and do not format it. All files will be totally safe (although backing up is never a bad idea).
    You'll probably have to install the program you use once again after reinstallation.
    Okay, how do I find out if my /home directory is on a separate partition or not? Also I have a dual boot system, will any of this affect the windows side? (a friend of mine set all this up for me because I wanted to learn so I am still learning).

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Magic City of the Plains
    Beans
    Hidden!
    Distro
    Xubuntu Development Release

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Quote Originally Posted by Jacob-Gates View Post
    I put a thread up a while about about my computer being 32 bit but this is a different question. I wanted to update my computer with 12.10 64 bit but I have no idea if I do it if I will lose my files (pictures, music, etc.). Will I? If so how do I do this to keep my files?
    If your processor is 32-bit, 64-bit won't install.
    Code:
    cat /proc/cpuinfo
    will let us know if its 32- or 64-bit.

    Backup any files you want to save first.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    England / U.S.
    Beans
    277
    Distro
    Ubuntu 12.10 Quantal Quetzal

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Quote Originally Posted by Jacob-Gates View Post
    Okay, how do I find out if my /home directory is on a separate partition or not?.
    Please copy result of
    Code:
    sudo fdisk -l
    Also, if you use something like disks or gparted app these will give you an idea.
    Linux is not windows // Ubuntu (Quantal:12.10) Guide
    Use descriptive thread titles // Linux... is... not... windows // OSX... is... not... Linux

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Beans
    51

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Quote Originally Posted by oldos2er View Post
    If your processor is 32-bit, 64-bit won't install.
    Code:
    cat /proc/cpuinfo
    will let us know if its 32- or 64-bit.

    Backup any files you want to save first.
    my computer is definitely 64 bit. I have a dual boot with windows 64 bit on the other side. For some reason my friend put 32 for ubuntu.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr_JMM View Post
    Please copy result of
    Code:
    sudo fdisk -l
    Also, if you use something like disks or gparted app these will give you an idea.
    Here you go:
    Code:
    Disk /dev/sda: 320.1 GB, 320072933376 bytes
    255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 38913 cylinders, total 625142448 sectors
    Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
    Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
    I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
    Disk identifier: 0xcffc1206
    
       Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
    /dev/sda1              63       80324       40131   de  Dell Utility
    /dev/sda2           80325    30800324    15360000    7  HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
    /dev/sda3   *    30800325   453404740   211302208    7  HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
    /dev/sda4       453406718   625141759    85867521    5  Extended
    /dev/sda5       453406720   616839167    81716224   83  Linux
    /dev/sda6       616841216   625141759     4150272   82  Linux swap / Solaris
    
    Disk /dev/sdb: 16.0 GB, 16005464064 bytes
    64 heads, 32 sectors/track, 15264 cylinders, total 31260672 sectors
    Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
    Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    India
    Beans
    8,116

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Quote Originally Posted by Jacob-Gates View Post
    For some reason my friend put 32 for ubuntu.
    I would have done the same thing a couple of years ago, due to my doubts about 64 bit's compatibility and stability. But now I've grown smarter

    Quote Originally Posted by Jacob-Gates View Post
    Code:
       Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
    /dev/sda1              63       80324       40131   de  Dell Utility
    /dev/sda2           80325    30800324    15360000    7  HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
    /dev/sda3   *    30800325   453404740   211302208    7  HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
    /dev/sda4       453406718   625141759    85867521    5  Extended
    /dev/sda5       453406720   616839167    81716224   83  Linux
     /dev/sda6       616841216   625141759     4150272   82  Linux swap / Solaris
    As you may figure out yourself, you have only one linux partition, the other one is swap partition. Means no separate /home.

    Just boot off the live cd, and copy the /home/<your id> directory onto an external media, done!
    Varun
    Help others by marking threads as [SOLVED], if they are. (See how)
    Wireless Script | Use Code Tags

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Beans
    51

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Quote Originally Posted by varunendra View Post
    I would have done the same thing a couple of years ago, due to my doubts about 64 bit's compatibility and stability. But now I've grown smarter


    As you may figure out yourself, you have only one linux partition, the other one is swap partition. Means no separate /home.

    Just boot off the live cd, and copy the /home/<your id> directory onto an external media, done!
    okay, awesome! thank you so much. You just helped me more than anyone else ever has with linux so THANK YOU very much.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    India
    Beans
    8,116

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Anytime !

    And..
    Quote Originally Posted by Jacob-Gates View Post
    You just helped me..
    I take it as "all of you".. because you just quoted me while the help was offered by others, I just read out to you the result

    Feel free to ask questions, starting threads in relevant sections, whenever you need help with Ubuntu.

    Hope you'd enjoy the OS and the community here too !
    Varun
    Help others by marking threads as [SOLVED], if they are. (See how)
    Wireless Script | Use Code Tags

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Beans
    51

    Re: 32 bit to 64 bit

    Quote Originally Posted by varunendra View Post
    Anytime !

    And..I take it as "all of you".. because you just quoted me while the help was offered by others, I just read out to you the result

    Feel free to ask questions, starting threads in relevant sections, whenever you need help with Ubuntu.

    Hope you'd enjoy the OS and the community here too !
    yeah I definitely meant everyone, I'm bad about just quoting the last post. haha thank you for clearing that.

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
  •