I have Mint 17.3 installed on an older laptop and Mate installed in an even older laptop. Both run well but I feel the Mate is easier on resources and want to install Mate on the Mint laptop.
I have the install on three different partitions, swap / home and the OS. The problem is I don't want to write over home. SO here is the question?
When I start the install and when it comes to choosing disks I choose the option --- other.
Then I get to choose the partition SDA6 for install, choose format ext4.
Then I choose home which is SDA6. I will just choose home but do not format.
If I choose home without formating will everything stay intact on the home folder?
Install another DE without losing home
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Install another DE without losing home
Last edited by LockBot on Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Topic automatically closed 6 months after creation. New replies are no longer allowed.
Reason: Topic automatically closed 6 months after creation. New replies are no longer allowed.
Re: Install another DE without losing home
Yes.
But nevertheless. (Not only before such an operation) you need to backup your home on an external drive. All not backed up data are declared by you as superfluous.
But nevertheless. (Not only before such an operation) you need to backup your home on an external drive. All not backed up data are declared by you as superfluous.
Re: Install another DE without losing home
I would back-up or copy home.
I think my question was asking in theory, if I don't format home would / should everything stay in home as it was before the new install?
I think my question was asking in theory, if I don't format home would / should everything stay in home as it was before the new install?
Re: Install another DE without losing home
If you do not format the home partition, it will stay untouched during installation.
It is not quite clear from your starting post, which desktop you have currently installed on the first laptop with 17.3. Trying to read between the lines it seems, that it is currently not Mate (perhaps Cinnamon or KDE?). If you now boot into the new installed system there might possibly some files get added or changed with default values for the Mate edition. So not the installation will change something, but the first run.
It is not quite clear from your starting post, which desktop you have currently installed on the first laptop with 17.3. Trying to read between the lines it seems, that it is currently not Mate (perhaps Cinnamon or KDE?). If you now boot into the new installed system there might possibly some files get added or changed with default values for the Mate edition. So not the installation will change something, but the first run.
Re: Install another DE without losing home
this is something that I've done - many times.
in the Installer - you use the 'something else' option,
and check the / root partition to be Formated,
and leave the /home partition as NoFormat ( UNcheck the format box )
and leave the /swap as-is - - it will be Auto-Formated any way.
then click on Next - - to continue with the actual installation itself.
NB: I've never,, ever lost any Data when using that NoFormat option,,,
but, it would be most unwise, to take any risks, that you are UN-prepared for.
in the Installer - you use the 'something else' option,
and check the / root partition to be Formated,
and leave the /home partition as NoFormat ( UNcheck the format box )
and leave the /swap as-is - - it will be Auto-Formated any way.
then click on Next - - to continue with the actual installation itself.
NB: I've never,, ever lost any Data when using that NoFormat option,,,
but, it would be most unwise, to take any risks, that you are UN-prepared for.
Please edit your original post title to include [SOLVED] - when your problem is solved!
and DO LOOK at those Unanswered Topics - - you may be able to answer some!.