How do I change from one distro to another?

jhsu · 03-11-2007, 06:55 PM

I'm changing from Fedora Core 1 to Damn Small Linux. I have Damn Small Linux on Live CD, but I'd like to install it to my hard drive.

In addition to backing up personal files, what else do I need to do? Do I simply install Damn Small Linux as though there were no OS already in place? Or am I supposed to uninstall Fedora Core 1 first? Or am I supposed to wipe out the hard drive first?

lordtweety · 03-11-2007, 07:03 PM

Hi,

The easiest way is to wipe out your harddrives data and start again. If FC has created a home partition for you then you can keep that and install DSL over the top of FC without losing your home partition. In fact you can keep your existing partitions. But the cleanest way is to reformat your drive and start again.

Cheers,

lordtweety

NihilistMatt · 03-11-2007, 07:14 PM

I usually just install straight over the top of the old one as if no OS was there (provided the installer automatically formats the partitions), but the problem is that if the install fails you're left with an unbootable computer.

It's a very good idea to get a separate /home partition so when you do change distros you can keep your data and user-specific configuration. You'll have to reinstall everything though.

2damncommon · 03-11-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhsu

...In addition to backing up personal files, what else do I need to do? Do I simply install Damn Small Linux as though there were no OS already in place? Or am I supposed to uninstall Fedora Core 1 first? Or am I supposed to wipe out the hard drive first?

Backing up files and installing DSL is all you need to do. You should format during the install.
You can wipe a partition or the whole drive if you choose to.