Upgrading from LM8 --> LM13 via apt?

[OS2-User]

Is there a realistic chance to upgrade from 32-bit LM8 Gnome to LM13 MATE via apt package upgrade or is this an already certain to be doomed endeavour, requiring a fresh installation?

[zerozero]

i believe that deep, deep inside you know the answer to this query
jump through 5 editions via dist-upgrade is a shortcut to disaster.

backup your personal stuff and start afresh.

[crborga]

yeah I agree, start fresh

[OS2-User]

You are right, I already feared that it would have to come to that.
I just should have spent more time in documenting all the changes and package replacements I made over time, so that it isn't as hard again after a fresh install.
At least this is a LTS, so if currently working stuff breaks again in the next releases, like it did for me since Helena, I have more time to sit it out then

[dalcde]

LM 10 to 12 for me was troublesome enough for me. Some sort of weird dependency problems that seemed impossible to solve. Finding support is even harder. So no.

But you can use Mint's backup tool to backup your package selection, so it shouldn't be hard to reinstall them (not really sure since I've never used it myself).