Fresh Install over existing installation on dual boot?

[jackmg]

I have a dual boot set up with Windows 7 and Linux Mint 12. I want to keep the Windows 7 partition as is for compatibility needs in the workplace. I tried to use the Linux Mint 14 Live DVD to install into the existing Linux Mint 12 partition. Unlike earlier versions ISO's I used, I now get only three installation options:. One, install alongside existing partitions; two, erase disk and install on entire disk; three, something else. But the something else option does not include installing Mint 14 over the existing Mint 12.

How do I do this? I do not want to erase the 500 GB hard drive and lose the Windows partition. I do not want to further dice up the hard drive with yet another partition and OS version.

I understand the benefits of a fresh install with each new release. I also understand the disadvantages of an APT installation, especially when it jumps two versions. How do I do an installation from the ISO that over-writes the existing Linux Mint 12 partition?

Thanks for your suggestions.

[caf4926]

Go the 'something else way'

If you only have one partition for mint you need only set that one - it's mount point is /

This guide shows having / and /home
but it should help
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B3e0lL ... zVFNGpmd2s

[usbtux]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBrRL6iG0NM
Using the installer (ubiquity) after setting up your partitions with gparted, or installing over an existing install. Does not show a windows partition but I'm sure you'll get it

[jackmg]

Before I go ahead and do this, I want to double check on a detail or two. My current Linux Mint installation is on SDA 5 EXT 4. The Windows partition is SDA2 NTFS. After watching the slideshow, I am confused over setting the mount point. The slide shows a change you added for a new mount point of /home on SDA6 and setting root at /.

To clarify, do I need to change the existing configuration as you did? What do I set as the mount point: / or /home? Must I create a new location as you did if I just want to install in the existing Linux Mint location? And must I format when done?

Sorry for my confusion. Thanks for your help.

[caf4926]

The slide show is just an example

Set the mount point for your partitions - you may only have one partition for Mint, which would be set as / on sda5 according to what you related.