8.10 Upgrade crashed

**octave** · February 6th, 2009

My computer turned off while I was upgrading to Ubuntu 8.10. Now I am unable to log on. Actually I just get a blank screen when I type in my user name and password. I am new to Ubuntu and I am confused about what to do. Can anyone help please?

**mjheagle8** · February 6th, 2009

can you start x or gnome from the command line? try:

Code:

startx

**octave** · February 7th, 2009

I tried startx but all I get is the same brown screen with a mouse pointer. I have the the Ubuntu 8.10 ISO on a CD, I tried using that but the only option I see on it is to install Ubuntu which would erase all my old files. Is there any way I can take a backup of those old files? I have Windows Vista installed as well.