"Home directory already exists. Please enter another home directory path."
 

I just installed Intrepid 64bit to a new partition in order to try it out before switching over from hardy.

When installing, I told the installer to import my settings from both chaz and jami, the user accounts from my hardy install. However, when logging into the new system, the user "jami" does not exist and cannot log in. I go to system->users and groups and add a user, but when I enter "jami" as the new user, it gives me this popup that says 'home directory already exists. Please enter another home directory'.

I don't want a new user with a new home directory, I want to enable my wife to have her own user account and use her existing home directory like in my old install. This should be straightforeward. I had thought that the 'import settings' wizard in the installer would have done that already, so I'm confused. What should I do?

Hi -

You have several choices:

1. You can use the command-line "useradd" instead of the GUI (the GUI is the guy who's complicating your life here)

2. You can simply:
a) rename the original directory
b) (re)create the user (using the GUI)
c) copy everything from the original directory into the new directory

Either way, you should be up and running in minutes :-)

'Hope that helps .. PSM

I was able to solve the problem by running, if i remember it right,