Changing Distribution

Niteskye · 03-14-2004, 07:55 AM

I've been using RH9 for a couple months and I want to change to Knoppix.
I've been using Knoppix 3.3 from a Live CD for about a week and I've decided to do an HD install. My problem is that I don't know how to remove Red Hat. Can I just format that partition of my Hard drive then tell Knoppix to install in that space? if so, how?

XavierP · 03-14-2004, 10:38 AM

Format the partition with cfdisk (or any of the linux partition tools) or put in a windows bootdisk and clear the partition that way.

In Knoppix, open a terminal and type "knoppix-installer" and follow the steps.

eQualizer · 03-16-2004, 08:51 AM

I'm about to do same thing (except I change Mandrake to Debian).
Only thing I'm curious is that can I backup my ~ folder and then use it in Debian?

Niteskye · 03-16-2004, 09:56 AM

XavierP: tried that, for some reason Knoppix-installer wont run. Some crap comes up about there being incorrect commands in the program....

eQualizer: it should be ok just to copy your home directory onto a CD and copy it back once you've changed over.

Judland · 03-16-2004, 11:39 AM

If you've got your /home directory on its own HD partition, you should be able to install your new Linux OS over top of the old one, leaving your /home files in-tact.

If you don't have a partition for /home, you should consider setting one up on your next install so you can switch/upgrade distributions in the future without having to worry about over-writing your /home files.

lnxconvrt · 03-22-2004, 02:43 PM

IIRC there were at least two hard-drive install scripts. I think the one that I've used successfully was invoked with "knx-hdinstall" or something pretty close to that. Maybe that one will work ok for you--I've used it several times.

Niteskye · 03-23-2004, 05:58 AM

Safe, I'll try it.

Niteskye · 03-24-2004, 06:52 AM

You legend lnxconvrt! You saved my computer. Thanks loads.

lnxconvrt · 03-24-2004, 08:45 PM

Glad to help!