I can't update Ubuntu

Asked by Robert Hunt

I am running 8.04 on a Dell Inspiron. I have been trying to update to the latest version, but every source I've read tells me that I need to install each previous upgrade first. There is no update available to get from 8.04 to 8.10 And every set of instructions says that I should first run "Update Manager" and select the "Check" button. But I've run updates regularly for nearly 2 years and have never been asked to install a system upgrade... Some people have suggested that I can simply install the latest version without the various updates (I have an installation disc), but I'm hesitant. If I simply install the newest version, will I no longer be able to access my current files?

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Federico Tello Gentile (federicotg) said :
#1

You can update form 8.04 to 10.04, not 10.10. 8.04 is a long term support version, and it defaults to updating to the following long term support version which is 10.04.
In the update-manager configuration window you can select which versions you want to update to. The default is long term support version only.
If you want to go to 10.10, you must go to 10.04 and then to 10.10.

If you prefer to install 10.10 directly, you can do so without losing your documents, simply by choosing manual partitioning when prompted and not formatting the partition you select as the root partition (the one with the / mount point).

If you don't check the format checkbox, then all your data will be there after the installation.

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delance (olivier-delance) said :
#2

"If I simply install the newest version, will I no longer be able to access my current files?" Yes, since 9.10 previous home folder is kept, and only system files are overwritten. As said Federico, DON'T CHECK FORMAT BOX.

You can upgrade from 8.04 LTS to 10.04 LTS, but I advise you to backup home folder before, as it doesn't works for all PCs.

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