32 bit to 64 bit

[Jacob-Gates]

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?

[Pand5461]

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.

[Jacob-Gates]

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).

[oldos2er]

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.
cat /proc/cpuinfo will let us know if its 32- or 64-bit.

Backup any files you want to save first.

[Mr_JMM]

Okay, how do I find out if my /home directory is on a separate partition or not?.

Please copy result of
sudo fdisk -l

Also, if you use something like disks or gparted app these will give you an idea.

[Jacob-Gates]

If your processor is 32-bit, 64-bit won't install.
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.


Please copy result of
sudo fdisk -l

Also, if you use something like disks or gparted app these will give you an idea.

Here you go:

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

[varunendra]

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 :)




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!

[Jacob-Gates]

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.

[varunendra]

Anytime !

And..
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 !

[Jacob-Gates]

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.