mank_in wrote:Ashokkumar wrote:I like Linux a lot. So I can do clean install also. But just think how much time it would take for me to install Linux and Windows 7 again. What I meant was it would be a great advantage for Linux users if we could just update with out loosing any data and I am sure Linux Developers can do it. Release the new version, which any user can update with out any issue.
Why do you need install win 7 again.?
If you are dual boot win7 and LM13, you can install LM14 in partition for LM13 without affecting windows partition.
Same question
I have 6 distros + XP and a common NTFS partition.
All you have to do is install it in the same partition that you have installed Mint 14. Go for 3rd option --> something else (manual partition).
SWAP will be automatically selected. Select the partition on which Mint 13 is installed and do not forget to format it for error free installation.
Select same /home partition and DO NOT format it i.e. uncheck the option to format it. I presume that you have a different / (root) and /home partition
If you are installation same DE i.e. installing Cinnamon edition i.e. Mint 13 Cinnamon to Mint 14 Cinnamon and would like to save preferences, then while installation, type the same user name / login name as that in mint 13. You profile and customization will be saved.
Not to mention that you need to back up your data either manually or using mint backup. then install apps form improved Software Manager.
Install partition for bootloader will be auto selected to /sda. Please note it is sdA and not sdA1 or sdA2 (i.e. it should be sdx and not sdxy)
nothing will happen to windows as you are not touching any NTFS partition and any partition is not auto selected for formatting during manual partition (except / (root) and /home)
Reboot and if everything goes right, you will see win xp and 7 in bootloader.
If you want to play safe, and want to use win bootloader, which does not detect any Linux OS and wholeheartedly sniffs other M$ OS like XP, you will have to install EasyBcd in win 7. It is free to download. EasyBcd detects Linux.
While installing any Linux distro, install bootloader in /home partition and not in MBR i.e. sdA (generally)
When you reboot, you should see both win 7 and linux distro listed in EasyBcd bootloader and if you remove Mint, win 7 will be safe and can be booted.
I have never tried it as I am still hanging on XP, so cannot guide in case of trouble shooting
refer
http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.p ... cd#p567285
I have given a link to a tutorial
and this post
http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.p ... cd#p513615