Ubuntu
ubiquity package

System Reset

Asked by Biraj Parikh

Is there any way to reset Ubuntu so that everything is deleted as if you installed a new operating system? I have been trying to do this by burning Ubuntu 11.10 to a disk or putting it on a USB drive and launching Ubuntu through that but they don't work.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

If you remove all the hidden folders in your home it will remove all user settings, the apps will still stand but you will have vanilla settings. do NOT delete ~/.ICEauthority ~/.bashrc or ~/.profile obviously things like browser settings and email will be removed so ensure they are backed up or simply don't delete the config folder.

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Biraj Parikh (birajp) said : 		#2

I am sorry but I'm new to this stuff, how do I delete the hidden folders?

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#3

In root recovery mode or in live CD. I suggest you run a backup in case you remove something you want

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delance (olivier-delance) said : 		#4

Another way should be
1-to create a new user
2-to delete old one
3-to remove his folder
The only change will be the name of user and its user number, incremented of 1.

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Biraj Parikh (birajp) said : 		#5

I can't delete any users because it asks for the root password, which it won't let me put in.

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delance (olivier-delance) said : 		#6

Did you click on unlock button of User Account window ?

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Biraj Parikh (birajp) said : 		#7

Yup, it asks for the root password after that. I deleted all the hidden folders but it still doesn't let me reset my root password or let me cahnge my account to administrator.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#8

There is no root password, nor do you need one.

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Biraj Parikh (birajp) said : 		#9

After deleting the hidden folders, shouldn't Ubuntu become how it was when I installed it, with me as the administrator?

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delance (olivier-delance) said : 		#10

Reseting installation password is another issue.
For this, have a look at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LostPassword
Could you explain more your needs ?

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Biraj Parikh (birajp) said : 		#11

What is the grub prompt?

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#12

Hold SHIFT at boot and you will see the grub menu. I think that is what is meant...

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