Why Can't I Upgrade from Ubuntu 9.10 to 10.04 LTS?
 

Pls, I am just a couple of month into using any Linux OS and I use Ubuntu 9.10. I ordered for the Ubuntu 10.04 CD from Canonical to upgrade because I don't have a fast internet connection to upgrade over the net.The problem is that when I insist the 10.04 CD into the tray it doesnot start the upgrade process. Please what can I do? Thanks.

Hello
Check this link https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LucidUpgrades
For more information check www.ubuntu.com Upgrade section http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/upgrade

There are two different versions.

Nothing to stop you from installing it over the existing partitions. You have to decide if you allow the installer to format the existing partition for a "clean" install or go for a dirty install of not formatting.

Equally you can use gparted to squeeze some hard disk space to install the second system. The arrangement is safer if you have data you want to keep with earlier version.

Judging from the links from the official Ubuntu page that were posted before, I conclude you should try this:
Insert the upgrade CD. Then press Alt+F2. Then enter (or copy and paste) this:
Hit Enter or click on "execute".
This should open a window with further instructions on how to upgrade. I have never seen this in practice, though.

Thanks guys. TITiAN, I have tried all that and it still won't upgrade. What else have I got to?

On this page it says you need the "Alternate CD/DVD" for your purpose. I'd recommend asking someone who has a fast connection to download that CD and burn it for you, if possible. There are official downloads at this address: http://releases.ubuntu.com/lucid/

If the above is not possible, maybe you can add the CD you have to the so-called "package repositories".
* First, insert the installation CD.
* In the menu, go to System -> Administration -> Software Sources
* Go to the tab "Third-Party Software" and click on "Add CD-Rom..."

If all of this is no use, I'm afraid I probably can't help since I don't use Ubuntu (I get info from the web).