problems with 14.04

**crs501** · August 19th, 2014

After upgrading to 14.04 I've been encountering numerous error messages, many labeled as system errors - far too many to list here. a local friend suggested I simply re-install 14.04 and begin again. Is that possible, and how? Simplest answer possible, please!

**Frogs Hair** · August 19th, 2014

You certainly can backup your data to removable device or cloud storage and preform a clean installation . A dual boot system would require a different method depending on the operating system installed and the partition scheme. If Ubuntu is the only operating system see the link . If you dual boot more information would be needed.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/deskt...ubuntu-desktop

**crs501** · August 19th, 2014

Your link refers only to install from a dvd or usb stick. I upgraded thru Update Mgr online and thus have no dvd nor usb stick! other suggestions? And, oh yes, I use only one OS, not dual OS!

**Adam_GUI** · August 19th, 2014

You can always download the ISO file for you architecture and either create an install DVD with something like k3b or create an install device with a thumbdrive using the system disk creator.

If you have system errors that prevent either of those options, I'd ask for help doing either from your friend.

And, as stated before, always have a backup of your files before doing the fresh install.

**Frogs Hair** · August 19th, 2014

I have no suggestions since there is no dvd or usb available other than attempting to work through problems . I don't know of a way to reinstall an entire upgrade. Posting threads on one error at a time might help to work through some of problems.

**grahammechanical** · August 19th, 2014

Are you saying that the machine does not have a DVD drive or a USB port? And that you cannot buy a DVD R/W disc or a USB memory stick? Or is it that you do not know where to download a version of Ubuntu from?

How can we give you the simplest answer when you give unclear information?

My advice would be to daily update; Remove and reinstall any programs that you installed on 12.04 that are not part of a Ubuntu default installation; Remove any themes that you installed; Replace a proprietary video driver with the open source video driver at less until the error messages stop.

Upgrades from one version of Ubuntu to another version go well when we are upgrading from a default installation and not a heavily modified installation.

Regards

**maclenin** · August 19th, 2014

crs501!

My advice:

1. Back-up your files (images / documents / config files etc) to an external (usb) hard drive....
2. Create a dvd or usb (stick) iso of the version of ubuntu you wish to install (e.g. 14.04) [Assuming you have the ports / hardware to do this]....
3. Take note of those applications (configurations) you have appended to the standard ubuntu install (so that you can re-install / re-apply them, later)....
3.a. When you are 100% sure you have backed-up everything / taken note of those applications you wish to re-install / configurations you wish to migrate...
4. ...insert the dvd or usb stick - re-start your machine - and do a complete blow-away-the-old re-install of ubuntu.

This is what I do every time I migrate to a latest (x)ubuntu - I never upgrade over top the current....

I also tend to migrate to a latest version "on the 4s" - or on the LTS (Long Term Support) versions (10.04, 12.04, 14.04) - so I only have to perform a full upgrade every ~4 years (though I still back-up regularly / and tend to upgrade more frequently)!

My experience has been clean and easy - and I don't worry about conflicts from earlier application versions - as a fresh install has the latest and (hopefully) greatest iterations of OS and applications - and I also force myself, in the process, to create a sound / simple / easily sustainable back-up strategy!

Good luck!

**kansasnoob** · August 19th, 2014

The answers are going to be the same as you received here, here, here, and here.

It really sounds like you should try a fresh install of either Lubuntu or Xubuntu 14.04.1.

If you're really in New York and can't get anyone there to burn you discs just click on my username (kansasnoob) and send me a PM. If you give me your address via PM I'll gladly send you an Lubuntu 14.04.1 CD and an Xubuntu 14.04.1 DVD. Of course I'm in rural Kansas so I'd expect USPS to take about 5 days, and it's already too late to get them shipped today.

I'd also include an Ubuntu 12.04.1 CD just in case the 14.04.1 kernel and/or X-stack don't play well with your hardware. But if you install 12.04.1 DO NOT do the release upgrade! It's supported until April 2017 anyway and offers both Unity-2D or you can use Classic (no effects).