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-   -   Migrate Debian GNU/Linux 9 (stretch) 64-bit to Mint ?? (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/debian-26/migrate-debian-gnu-linux-9-stretch-64-bit-to-mint-4175679725/)

NeilM 07-31-2020 04:37 PM

Migrate Debian GNU/Linux 9 (stretch) 64-bit to Mint ??
 
Can one migrate to another flavor without wiping out the drive?
Thanks!

mrmazda 07-31-2020 07:25 PM

Mint is Ubuntu-based. Ubuntu is Debian-based. Thus, at least in theory, it should be feasible at least for an experienced user. Better not to try if not well experienced, or on a production system, and certainly don't try on a system that hasn't had all important files adequately backed up. Also, the Mint version would matter. One should not expect success jumping the gap from a several years old Stretch to Mint's latest, 20. The same base version should be upgraded to have a decent chance at success. Finally, anyone who has to ask the OP question unlikely has the experience required to expect success.

OTOH, if the Stretch system has /home on a separate filesystem, the answer is a vastly different, as /home can be reused, while the / filesystem can be wiped to install Mint afresh. The new mint should have little problem migrating existing user settings where necessary from Stretch's to newer versions.

frankbell 07-31-2020 07:33 PM

It's not something I would try, unless I had a machine or VM simply for experimentation.

If you choose to try it, back everything important up to external media before doing so.

ondoho 08-01-2020 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmazda (Post 6151507)
Mint is Ubuntu-based. Ubuntu is Debian-based. Thus, at least in theory, it should be feasible at least for an experienced user. Better not to try if not well experienced, or on a production system, and certainly don't try on a system that hasn't had all important files adequately backed up. Also, the Mint version would matter. One should expect success jumping the gap from a several years old Stretch to Mint's latest, 20. The same base version should be upgraded to have a decent chance at success. Finally, anyone who has to ask the OP question unlikely has the experience required to expect success.

Feasible? I strongly disagree. It might be possible, as an experiment, for a very experienced user. Certainly one that wouldn't have to ask this question.

Quote:

OTOH, if the Stretch system has /home on a separate filesystem, the answer is a vastly different, as /home can be reused, while the / filesystem can be wiped to install Mint afresh. The new mint should have little problem migrating existing user settings where necessary from Stretch's to newer versions.
That sounds more realistic.

NeilM 08-01-2020 09:13 AM

Thanks!
Been a long time since playing with systems.
Gunna do a clean install that way theirs no guessing :) This is my internet machine so email/bookmarks the only vital information.


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