install ubuntu without deleting data

[Marcus Wanner]

On Saturday 09 January 2010 05:50:02 pm sam tygier wrote:
> vijay shanker wrote:
> > Hi friends;
> >
> > I am wondering if there exists any way by which I can do a fresh
> > reinstall UBUNTU without deleting current installation.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Vijay Shanker Dubey
> 
> This is possible. you will loose any applications you have installed, but
>  keep all you user data and settings.
> 
> In the ubuntu installer, make sure to choose the manual partitioning
>  option.
> 
> You need to select the same partition layout as you had before. if you have
>  a simple setup you will have one partition of type ext3 or ext4, select
>  this and in the options set 'use as' to the same (ext3 or ext4), set the
>  mount point to '/', and make sure the 'format' box is not ticked.
> 
> when you press continue you will get a message warning you that system file
>  will be deleted from the partion, but /home will be left intact.
> 
> i have done this several times, however it is probably wise to back up your
>  files before hand.
> 
> sam
> 

Keep in mind that you will also keep all application data stored in hidden 
folders in your home directory.

Marcus