How to backup ubuntu before installing the latest version?

[spooters]

Hi all,

Need to rebuild my machine so im going to take the plunge when the new version is out later in the week. Can I just take a copy of the home folder and copy/paste it onto the new install or is that going to make things messy?

Maybe there is a tool that does it for me?

[upchucky]

yes copy the home partition to a usb, cd, dvd, network drive, other partition, or other drive. copy it back later.