Reinstalling Ubuntu 12.04

[WMichael]

Currently I have ubuntu 32bit on a 100gb partition,
For some odd reason I can't extend the partition if though I have available space.

Anyway I want to reinstall ubuntu with 64bit in a bigger partition(250gb)

Would it be possible to do it this way to avoid breaking mbr:

1. Installing ubuntu on other partition
2. deleting previous install of ubuntu and removing partition to extend new ubuntu install.

Would this overwrite the grub2 and allow me to boot both into windows and ubuntu?

[Basher101]

you currently ARE using grub2 to boot into both...don't worry, just reinstall it. By the way, you should consider how you will install it: if you make the automatic install, also delete your SWAP partition (because the old one will remain, so you end up with 2 swap partitions). Also be careful to not touch the windows partition!

Follow these advices and you will fine


regards

[WMichael]

I mean to say I can't uninstall ubuntu because then that deletes grub2 and messes up my mbr.

So your suggesting that I go ahead installing ubuntu on a partition then formating my old ubuntu with the swap as well.

[Basher101]

okay let me break it down:

1. boot live cd
2. start Gparted
3. Delete old ubuntu + swap
4. install new ubuntu
5. done

grub will only mess up if you delete it without installing the new one

[darkod]

okay let me break it down:

1. boot live cd
2. start Gparted
3. Delete old ubuntu + swap
4. install new ubuntu
5. done

grub will only mess up if you delete it without installing the new one

+1

If you delete the old install and do the new one a one step, you will not leave your computer unbootable because the new grub2 will be installed also.

[nipunshakya]

And even if you mess up your grub2 by any chances, there is boot repair tool to do the repairing for you.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Boot-Repair

Goodluck.
Happy Linuxing

[WMichael]

Thanks guys for the help.

[YannBuntu]

Hello
additionnal information:
if you want to uninstall any OS: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/OS-Uninstaller
or if you want to reinstall Ubuntu: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UbuntuReinstallation

[ubienewbie1]

okay let me break it down:

1. boot live cd
2. start Gparted
3. Delete old ubuntu + swap
4. install new ubuntu
5. done

grub will only mess up if you delete it without installing the new one

I eventually stumbled my way past this sticking point, I think by switching from the regular USB boot (installation) stick to the UEFI USB stick and going straight to the installation menu instead of booting into Ubuntu. The problem I was having was with step #3 above, which I first saw recommended elsewhere and later found here while looking for a workaround.

The problem is that Ubuntu wouldn't let me remove the main partition because other stuff was supposedly mounted to it. Without being able to do so, Ubuntu was still functional (and would boot, thus no reinstall prompt) despite having no swap and free space partitions.

So, for the benefit of anyone else running into that problem, does anyone have any suggestions for how to wipe out everything with Gparted in 12.04?

[nipunshakya]

The problem is that Ubuntu wouldn't let me remove the main partition because other stuff was supposedly mounted to it. Without being able to do so, Ubuntu was still functional (and would boot, thus no reinstall prompt) despite having no swap and free space partitions.

So, for the benefit of anyone else running into that problem, does anyone have any suggestions for how to wipe out everything with Gparted in 12.04?

This is maybe because you didn't boot into Live mode, which is essential for Gparted to Delete whatever partitions your current installations have...

When you boot from your machine, the partitions gets mounted.... and there is no way you can delete them when they are mounted.. so the idea of booting into live mode is suggested so that they dont get mounted and you can delete them without any hesitations... Good Luck with gparted... hope this helps..