Convert LMDE 32-bit to 64-bit?

[bpeary]

Having installed (four months ago) and customized the initial 32-bit system on my AMD-64, I'm now faced with the question of what to do about the new 64-bit release. Any way to convert, short of a fresh install? Seems like this should be a topic covered in the FAQ, installation guides, and release announcements.

[wayne128]

I do not think there is a way to convert 32-bit to 64-bit OS.
Fresh install for 64-bit is the way to go.

[TBABill]

No you cannot convert. They're different and you must have a 64 bit install. You can run 32 bit apps on a 64 bit OS, but not the other way around.

[gotjazz]

but you can export a package list from synaptic (or use mintbackup) so everything you have gets reinstalled after you've added the sources (or copied your sources.list ) and you can keep and reuse your /home partition so all the settings and data are were you left them.

[bpeary]

Thank you all.

[ACDCBag]

but you can export a package list from synaptic (or use mintbackup) so everything you have gets reinstalled after you've added the sources (or copied your sources.list ) and you can keep and reuse your /home partition so all the settings and data are were you left them.

Hey gotjazz, could you please provide a little further information on this? I'm a relative noob, and I'm in the same situation as bpeary. Thanks.

[anmys]

could you please provide a little further information on this? I'm a relative noob, and I'm in the same situation as bpeary. Thanks.

It is quite simple if you are comfortable with a command-line. On your "old" system just do

Code: Select all

dpkg --get-selections > pkgs.lst

on the "new" system, just do

Code: Select all

dpkg --set-selections < pkgs.lst
apt-get dselect-upgrade


Of course, you should have set up the sources.list properly.

Regards.

[ACDCBag]

Thanks anmys, I'm about to give this a try. Appreciate the help.

[richyrich]

More information in this tutorial, including a GUI method, section D: How to upgrade to a newer release