Upgrade from x86 to 64-bit

[slipkid]

Hey everyone,

Few days back I've installed Lubuntu 12.10 x84 version. It was going ok, but I've realised that my CPU can handle 64-bit version of the OS.

So the question is - can I (if yes, how? I'm rather new Linux user) upgrade mu Luubntu to 64-bit version without loosing my data?

I've tried to find something on the Internet and this forum, but no luck. I'll be gratefull for every hint and reply!

Best regards

[oldos2er]

There's no upgrade path from 32- to 64-bit, you'll need to do a fresh install.

[oldfred]

Welcome to the forums.

Do you have a separate /home. Then you can just reinstall using Something Else and when choosing /home DO NOT reformat.

Otherwise you need to backup /home. If you have installed a lot of applications you also want to make a list to make it easier to reinstall.

To move /home uses rsync- Be sure to use parameters to preserve ownership & permissions
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Partitioning/Home/Moving


discussion of alternatives/strategy backups
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BackupYourSystem

Oldfred's list of stuff to backup May 2011:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1748541

from lovinglinux - use dpkg to list installed apps
http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=7157175&postcount=5
http://kevin.vanzonneveld.net/techblog/article/restore_packages_using_dselectupgrade/
From old install
dpkg --get-selections > ~/my-packages
From New install
sudo dpkg --set-selections < my-packages
sudo apt-get -y update
sudo apt-get dselect-upgrade