Hi. I have an older version of Linux installed on my machine and I would like to upgrade to a newer version (and probably a different distro). Any help or advice about how to do this would be appreciated.

My machine is a dual-boot Linux/WinXP. The Linux side is running Fedora (probably Fedora 8 from late 2007 or early 2008). I have grub running to manage the dual-boot between Linux and WinXP.

What I want to do is upgrade to a more "modern" version of Linux (probably Ubuntu, though I'm open to suggestions -- I'm not devoted to any particular distribution) while preserving the files in my home directory and not creating any problems with grub and the dual-boot into WinXP.

Is there any way to do this by just re-installing a new version of Linux from CD/DVD? Or do I need to entirely delete my old Linux partition and start over? Will I need to reinstall grub?

My reason for doing this is that I have tried requesting updates to my current version of Linux but the updates always fail. I'm unable to install and run more modern utilities like Chrome. I suspect that my distribution is so old that I just need to get a new one.

Thanks in advance for any help and please let me know if you need more information.

Fedora is still maintained, but since your version is so old, they don't offer updates any more.
If you like fedora, you can still download their CD ISO from http://fedoraproject.org/ and then just backup /home and anything important, and put in the CD, it MIGHT offer to upgrade, or you will have to reinstall linux.
EDIT: http://docs.fedoraproject.org/instal...ng-system.html

You'll have to disturb grub if you either upgrade or install a new version, otherwise the new kernel wouldn't be seen.

Is your /home on a separate partition? That would be helpful since you could upgrade/install being sure not to format that partition (but be safe and back it up anyway). Most current linux distros use grub which should see your windows partition and set it up as a boot choice.

My guess is that you have your Linux on one big partition (including your /home), you should then back-up your data to an external drive.
Next step i would do, is use the recovery tool in your XP install disk to put back the old window boot loader with the command (fixmbr).
Then install your new Linux (whatever version) in your old Linux partition, the installation will format, install the new OS and grub will see your WinXP and added it up automatically.
There is other method (all good) but this is the most simple, i think.

ephraim2
if you stay with fedora then .
Fedora HAS changed it boot loader and a NEW grub must be installed and the partition must be repartitioned .

you will not be able to install fedora 12 and use fedoras 6,7,8 's grub .