Practice you want to reinstall or upgrade your Linux Mint Distribution but don't want to lose all your settings and information in the process? It is possible and not that difficult.

Start by backing up your existing operating system in case you need to restore it if something goes wrong.

Create a Bootable Disk Or Drive Of The New Mint Bone

Before installing a fresh Cinnamon Mint, it is all-time to create a bootable copy. The nigh contempo release every bit of at present is 19.2, codename "Tina".

Burn a DVD (32-fleck or 64-bit depending on which your hardware uses) or brand a bootable USB thumb bulldoze. If you are not sure which edition to select, the almost popular is "Cinnamon 64-flake edition". Yous can get the download link for Cinnamon Mint on the official page.

Refer to the Linux Mint Installation Guide to help you create your bootable media, download the correct ISO epitome, and install Linux Mint on your computer. The guide is available in multiple languages and different formats such as PDF, ePub, and HTML.

Following the steps below will enable you lot to proceed all your settings and salvage you a lot of time.

Backup Your Existing Software Applications

  • Boot into your original operating system. From your menu, choose "Administrator" and select "backup tool."
  • In the backup tool, choose "backup software selection."
  • Select your domicile directory from the destination drop-down box. Choose the tool you desire to use for your backup and click "apply."

All your programs are now backed up on your organization. Your next step is to open your home directory with Nemo file director.

  • Wait in your dwelling directory for the file you just created and double-click on it to open the file.
  • Search for Linux and delete entries that start with "Linux". See the highlighted entries in the image below.
  • Subsequently ensuring yous don't have whatsoever blank lines, save the file. In the event that you have set upward a data drive, you will need to copy the fstab file (system configuration file).
  • Get to your concluding window and paste the post-obit:

cp /etc/fstab /domicile/yourname

Install Linux Mint

Now you are set to reinstall Mint. When you kicking your system using an external bulldoze (DVD or USB stick), it will starting time a live session of Linux Mint.

  • Insert your DVD or USB into your calculator and boot from it. Y'all are now running a Alive Distro of the new Mint OS.
  • Don't forget to make certain your WiFi is connected if you are on a laptop. From your desktop, double-click on the install icon. Y'all volition be automatically logged in with a username of mint. Y'all will run into the installer icon on your desktop.

When you run Linux Mint afterwards information technology is permanently installed on your figurer, it is not a live version. The live version is like to a normal session except in the following ways:

  • The live session is slower.
  • Some applications such every bit Timeshift, Update Manager, and Flatpak either don't work or work differently than in the normal session.
  • Any changes y'all brand in the live session have no impact on the installed system and are not permanent.

Double click on Install Linux Mint and select your language.

The next step will ask you lot to connect to your wireless network. This is an optional footstep. We recommend not connecting to the Internet. If you do, the installer will download all updates through your Net connection.

If you have a slow connection or lose it, it volition be difficult to know how far your installation got before the connection dropped. Complete your installation first and become your updates later.

Select I don't desire to connect to a wi-fi network right now.

The next steps will permit you know if you are prepared to install Linux Mint. Yous need to merely be concerned near adequate disk space. Make sure your battery is charged if y'all are not using a power source.

As already stated, y'all don't need to be connected to the Internet. Click go along.

This next footstep where you lot cull an installation blazon is very important. You will take 4 choices. You desire to select Something Else.

This selection lets you manage the partitions. Choosing NOT to format your dwelling house partition is what keeps your data intact.

When you cull Something else, you will see partitions to choose from.

Select your Root segmentation and then choose change. Looking at the screenshot below:

  • Don't brand any changes to size equally it is your old Root partition (you don't desire to change its size as you will exist formatting over it).
  • Choose Ext4 journaling file system where it says: use as.
  • Be sure Format the partition is Not selected.
  • Where you encounter Mount point, choose / equally this is the root symbol
  • Select your time zone, keyboard layout, and add your user details. Exist sure to use the same username and password from your old setup.
  • When the installation is complete, remove the Alive USB thumb drive or Live CD and reboot. Now information technology'southward time to re-install your applications to your new OS.

Reinstall Your Programs

Select Fill-in Tool from Administrator in your Menu. Cull Restore software pick and navigate to your domicile directory.

Choose the software backup file you created earlier so click Apply or Forwards.

Now all your programs have been restored and all your settings have been preserved. Congratulations, you now have the latest version of Linux Mint.