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Old 09-21-2017, 12:12 PM   #1
TBotNik
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Upgrade Issue


All,

Why you don't upgrade till LTS 18 months mature. It's not stable.

Started upgrade from 14.04 LTS to 16.04 LTS one month early and upgrade so flakey that locked up the machine, requiring run of dpkg --configure -a but which totally screwed networking so now machine is dead, unable to connect.

Looks like will have to download and burn liveDVD to boot from and run some version of "chroot" to get back into the screwed distro to finish install.

Hope someone has a HOWTO I can follow for this rescue.

TBNK

Last edited by TBotNik; 09-21-2017 at 12:13 PM.
 
Old 09-21-2017, 01:10 PM   #2
Emerson
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"unable to connect" does not fly. If you can get to the command line you can connect with 99% certainty. There may be cases when filesystem with needed tools is corrupted, but you didn't say there is corruption.
 
Old 09-26-2017, 05:40 PM   #3
Dave Lerner
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Quote:
Why you don't upgrade till LTS 18 months mature. It's not stable.
Personally, I wait for at least the first "point" release (xx.xx.1) before upgrading. And I do a clean install of the new version on a different partition, and then manually migrate my customizations, rather than an "upgrade".
 
Old 09-26-2017, 06:53 PM   #4
jamison20000e
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Talking

LTS to me means they don't care to work on it any more and I like to move forward Ie: https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...8/#post5763220 JMO*...

Last edited by jamison20000e; 09-26-2017 at 07:01 PM.
 
Old 09-28-2017, 04:38 PM   #5
Dragineez
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@Dave - I'm curious about the "clean install, manually migrate" method. Might you, perhaps, have a link to instructions on how to carry out such an evolution? I've not done the update from 12.04LTS because, in the past, I've NEVER had the update method do anything but deprive me of my computer.
 
Old 09-28-2017, 04:57 PM   #6
Dave Lerner
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@Dragineez

By "clean install, manually migrate", I simply mean that I do an ordinary install onto an empty partition (or tell the installer to format/overwrite whatever's there). Then I do whatever customizations I need (installing additional packages, changing settings, etc.).

I keep the old installation around for a while (on separate partition(s) or separate disk), so that I can go back to it if necessary, or use it for reference. In some cases, copying over configuration files and data files from the old install to the new install is feasible; that depends on the situation.
 
Old 09-28-2017, 06:06 PM   #7
Dragineez
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That seems a most sane solution to my dilemma. My fondness for Linux has been that, once configured as I like, I don't have to pay it much mind thereafter. Most inconvenient that a perfectly working solution must be "upgraded". But we live in a world where one ignores security concerns at great peril.

At present, my Linux server runs a rudimentary website, a half life dedicated game server, a TeamSpeak server, and my Plex media server. I heartily desire that all those services work post upgrade. Time is in short supply, so it would be most inconvenient to spend weeks of research and my usual fumble fingered trial and error method. At one time, I lived to do such things. I do no longer. I'm not adverse to putting in some time, effort, and even (gasp!) money into accomplishing this. But this guidance, while helpful, is a bit short on details. I was hoping someone that that already walked this path and documented their experience might provide a link to such documentation.

I appreciate the response. Think of me as the "lazy upgrader" in search of a helping hand.
 
Old 09-28-2017, 06:12 PM   #8
Dave Lerner
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To help me with new installs, and for general reference purposes, I keep notes of most of the customizations that I make. The only problem is that, for 12.04, the notes file was 10,000 lines. But at least the info is there.

I've considered switching to a distro such as Arch Linux, that uses a rolling distribution scheme, so that you can stay up to date without having to do any major upgrades. But it's still on my list of "things to do".

Last edited by Dave Lerner; 09-28-2017 at 09:29 PM.
 
Old 10-09-2017, 02:48 PM   #9
Dragineez
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Well, that went much better than usual. After backing up all my customizations, I cautiously did the upgrade option. From 12.04 to 14.04 was successful. Now to see if the upgrade to 16 works as well.
 
Old 10-10-2017, 08:22 AM   #10
TxLonghorn
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My "clean install, manually migrate" is very easy to accomplish, and takes almost no effort.
I took the time to create a script which backs up the essential configuration from the old OS and another script which configures the new OS.
It requires some effort to create that script, but after it is created I can do a clean install on my desktop (or any other computer), and have it almost completely configured in just a few minutes.
My scripts are posted here
Of course, they would have to be modified to fit your config and your programs, but my scripts can be used as a guide to creating your scripts.
I have used these scripts to configure various new installs (different versions of Linux Mint) and they work great.

Last edited by TxLonghorn; 10-10-2017 at 08:27 AM.
 
Old 10-10-2017, 08:53 AM   #11
TxLonghorn
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After looking at the script link that I posted above, I think it would be better to post the latest version of my scripts here, because they have been updated since that original post.

backup.sh
Code:
#!/bin/sh
# You will need a backup drive with at least 1GB available.
# Boot into the OS that you want to back up.
# make a folder on your backup drive "backupscript"
# save this file in the backupscript folder, as backup.sh
# right-click on the backupscript folder & open a terminal
# make the script executable with "sudo chmod u+x backup.sh"
# run the script with "sudo ./backup.sh"

# clean out unneeded .deb files:
aptitude autoclean
# copy all remaining .deb files - 
# this eliminates excessive downloading when installing your programs
mkdir archives
cp -n /var/cache/apt/archives/*.deb ./archives/

# copy the software sources so that the PPA's can be restored
cp -a /etc/apt .

# backup all repository keys - optional. Use only when cloning the same version !
# apt-key exportall > repo.keys

# I have customized grub config files that I want to preserve:
cp /etc/default/grub .
cp /etc/grub.d/40_custom .
cp /etc/grub.d/06_mint_theme .
cp /boot/grub/161807-neblu.jpg .
cp /etc/sudoers.d/dan .

# copy personal configuration and program configs
# if you use Firefox or Thunderbird you will want to add those to this list
# any programs you don't use can be deleted from this list
cp -a $HOME/.avidemux .
cp -a $HOME/.gconf .
# I have my chosen program launchers in .config/autostart
cp -a $HOME/.config/autostart .
cp -a $HOME/.config/Pinta .
cp -a $HOME/.config/geany .
cp -a $HOME/.config/puddletag .
cp -a $HOME/.config/roxterm.sourceforge.net .
cp -a $HOME/.config/smplayer .
cp -a $HOME/.config/vlc .
cp -a $HOME/.config/clipit .
cp -a $HOME/.filezilla .
cp -a $HOME/.grsync .
cp -a $HOME/.icons .
cp -a $HOME/.local .
cp -a $HOME/.multisystem .
cp -a $HOME/.openshot .
cp -a $HOME/.themes .
cp -a $HOME/.wallpapers .
# preserve my clock display config
cp -a $HOME/.cinnamon/configs/clock@cinnamon.org .
cp -a $HOME/.mozilla/seamonkey .
cp -a $HOME/.asunder* .
cp -a $HOME/.bash_history .
# preserve my custom aliases in bashrc
cp -a $HOME/.bashrc .
cp -a $HOME/.face .
cp -a $HOME/.gimp-2.8 .
cp -a $HOME/.gnupg .
cp -a $HOME/.config/google-chrome .
cp -a $HOME/bin .
cp -a $HOME/Templates .

# remove Firefox and Thunderbird
# I don't use them, and don't want frequent updates
apt-get --purge autoremove -y firefox  firefox-locale-en
apt-get --purge autoremove -y thunderbird  thunderbird-gnome-support

# save installed software list
# WARNING "dpkg set-selections" should be used ONLY when migrating to the SAME version and desktop !!!
# otherwise you will trash the new system - at least that is my experience...
# See https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=169573#p872138
# as to why "dpkg set-selections" is probably not a good idea for Mint at all
# for one thing it will list all the installed kernels, and possibly obsolete library files
# It is better to manually maintain a list of the programs you want to install.
dpkg --get-selections > installed-software.list

# If you want to use "dpkg set-selections" to restore the listed programs, 
# you need to edit the installed-software.list file to delete all lib* and linux* references. 
# You don't want to install obsolete libraries or kernels. 
# In fact, delete all programs you don't recognize.
# You can get a nice list of the installed programs with short descriptions (for reference), with the command: 
# dpkg -l | grep ii >> installed-programs.list

# backup the entire Cinnamon dconf
# includes the menu favorites, panel location, hot corners, etc.
dconf dump /org/cinnamon/ > dconf.org.cinnamon

# backup the entire Nemo dconf
# preserves columns, views, and Desktop
dconf dump /org/nemo/ > dconf.org.nemo

echo DONE !
update.sh
Code:
#!/bin/sh
# save this file in the backupscript folder as update.sh
# make it executable with "sudo chmod u+x update.sh"
# boot into the newly installed OS
# establish wireless or cable internet connection
# Check Software Sources for fastest connection 
# right-click on the backupscript folder & open a terminal
# run the script with "sudo ./update.sh"

echo Did you check Software Sources for the fastest connection?
while true
do
  echo -n "Enter y(es) to continue or n(o) to abort:"
  read CONFIRM
  case $CONFIRM in
    y|Y|YES|yes|Yes) break ;;
    n|N|no|NO|No)
      echo Aborting - you entered $CONFIRM
      exit
      ;;
    *) echo Please enter only y or n
  esac
done
echo You entered $CONFIRM - continue...

echo Remove unused stuff e.g. firefox, thunderbird, and rare fonts
# samba should be removed from Mint 18 beta - causes problems.
apt-get -y --purge autoremove samba
apt-get -y --purge autoremove firefox  firefox-locale-en
apt-get -y --purge autoremove thunderbird  thunderbird-gnome-support 
apt-get -y --purge autoremove fonts-beng fonts-beng-extra fonts-deva fonts-droid fonts-gubbi fonts-gujr fonts-gujr-extra fonts-guru fonts-guru-extra fonts-kacst fonts-kacst-one fonts-kalapi fonts-khmeros-core fonts-knda fonts-lao fonts-lklug-sinhala fonts-lohit-beng-assamese fonts-lohit-beng-bengali fonts-lohit-deva fonts-lohit-gujr fonts-lohit-guru fonts-lohit-knda fonts-lohit-mlym fonts-lohit-orya fonts-lohit-taml fonts-lohit-taml-classical fonts-lohit-telu fonts-nakula fonts-nanum fonts-navilu fonts-noto-unhinted fonts-orya-extra fonts-pagul fonts-sahadeva fonts-samyak-deva fonts-samyak-gujr fonts-samyak-mlym fonts-samyak-taml fonts-sarai fonts-smc fonts-sil-abyssinica fonts-sil-padauk fonts-takao-pgothic fonts-taml fonts-telu fonts-telu-extra fonts-thai-tlwg fonts-tibetan-machine fonts-tlwg-garuda fonts-tlwg-garuda-ttf fonts-tlwg-kinnari fonts-tlwg-kinnari-ttf fonts-tlwg-laksaman fonts-tlwg-laksaman-ttf fonts-tlwg-loma fonts-tlwg-loma-ttf fonts-tlwg-mono fonts-tlwg-mono-ttf fonts-tlwg-norasi fonts-tlwg-norasi-ttf fonts-tlwg-purisa fonts-tlwg-purisa-ttf fonts-tlwg-sawasdee fonts-tlwg-sawasdee-ttf fonts-tlwg-typewriter fonts-tlwg-typewriter-ttf fonts-tlwg-typist fonts-tlwg-typist-ttf fonts-tlwg-typo fonts-tlwg-typo-ttf fonts-tlwg-umpush fonts-tlwg-umpush-ttf fonts-tlwg-waree fonts-tlwg-waree-ttf fonts-wqy-microhei fonts-wqy-zenhei ttf-indic-fonts-core ttf-punjabi-fonts ttf-wqy-microhei 
apt-get remove mono-runtime-common gnome-orca virtualbox-guest*

# delete these files so that recommends are installed by default
rm -v /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/00recommends /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/99synaptic

# enable the Update for inxi
sed -i 's/^B_ALLOW_UPDATE=false/B_ALLOW_UPDATE=true/' /etc/inxi.conf
inxi -U

# replace /etc/default/grub and /etc/grub.d/40_custom and /etc/grub.d/06_mint_theme with my customized versions
cp grub /etc/default/
cp 40_custom /etc/grub.d/
cp 06_mint_theme /etc/grub.d/
cp 161807-neblu.jpg /boot/grub/
cp dan /etc/sudoers.d/

# Reduce swappiness from 60 to 5
echo "vm.swappiness=5" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf

ufw enable

# change / from 777 to 755
chmod 755 /

# Fix the Power Management problem with my wireless card by changing wifi.powersave to disabled
sudo sed -i 's/wifi.powersave = 3/wifi.powersave = 2/' /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/default-wifi-powersave-on.conf

echo Get rid of the annoying Warning No support - en_US.utf8
locale-gen --purge --no-archive

# Restore all repository keys - optional. Use only when cloning the same version !
# apt-key add ./repo.keys

# add ubuntuzilla ppa (Seamonkey) and MultiSystem ppa (additional-repositories.list)
cp ./apt/sources.list.d/additional-repositories.list /etc/apt/sources.list.d/

echo Install ubuntuzilla ppa key
apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com C1289A29

echo Install MultiSystem ppa key
wget -q -O - http://liveusb.info/multisystem/depot/multisystem.asc | sudo apt-key add -

# add Google Chrome ppa
cp ./apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list /etc/apt/sources.list.d/
echo Install Google Chrome key
wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add - 

echo Copying all old .deb files
cp ./archives/*.deb /var/cache/apt/archives/

apt-get -y update

echo Install all the programs I use:
# avidemux avidemux-plugins-gtk flegita-gimp not available in Mint 18 repo 
# -r = Treat recommendations as dependencies
apt-get -y --show-progress install  acetoneiso album apport-gtk asunder bluefish boot-info-script clipit converseen cthumb dconf-tools dvdbackup  filezilla fsarchiver fslint geany gimp glances glines gnome-brave-icon-theme gnome-color-chooser gnome-logs gnome-search-tool google-chrome-stable gparted gpick grml-rescueboot grml2usb grsync gsmartcontrol gtkhash gwenrename hardinfo htop imagemagick-doc inkscape leafpad libdvd-pkg medit meld mint-meta-codecs multisystem nemo-image-converter openshot pinta pithos pmount preload puddletag roxterm seamonkey-mozilla-build shutter smartmontools smplayer smtube soundconverter swapspace ubiquity-frontend-gtk vlc xsane

# alternative program installation commands:
# apt-get -y install $(cat installed-software.list | awk '{print $1}')
# The apt-get command works great. Better than dpkg/dselect.
# Enter the next 4 commands to use the dpkg/dselect method.
# apt-get install dselect
# dselect update
# dpkg --set-selections < installed-software.list
# apt-get dselect-upgrade -y

dpkg-reconfigure libdvd-pkg

# clean out unused .deb files
aptitude autoclean

echo Restoring personal configuration 
cp -a .avidemux $HOME/
cp -a .gconf $HOME/
cp -a  autostart $HOME/.config/
cp -a  Pinta $HOME/.config/
cp -a  puddletag $HOME/.config/
cp -a  roxterm.sourceforge.net $HOME/.config/
cp -a  smplayer $HOME/.config/
cp -a  vlc $HOME/.config/
cp -a  clipit $HOME/.config/
cp -a .filezilla $HOME/
cp -a  geany $HOME/.config/
cp -a .grsync $HOME/
cp -a .icons $HOME/
cp -a .local $HOME/
cp -a .multisystem $HOME/
cp -a .openshot $HOME/
cp -a .themes $HOME/
cp -a .wallpapers $HOME/
cp -a  google-chrome $HOME/.config/
cp -a  clock@cinnamon.org $HOME/.cinnamon/configs/
cp -a  seamonkey $HOME/.mozilla/
cp -a .asunder* $HOME/
cp -a .bash_history $HOME/
cp -a .gimp-2.8 $HOME/
cp -a .gnupg $HOME/
# .bashrc contains my custom aliases
cp -a .bashrc $HOME/
cp -a .face $HOME/
cp -a bin $HOME/
cp -a Templates/* $HOME/Templates/
cp -a .SamsungPrinter $HOME/

echo Restoring dconf settings
# "Perhaps first do a "dconf reset -f /org/cinnamon/" or "dconf reset -f /org/nemo/" 
# to reset all values to their default, before you load the customized values"
# - was not necessary for me on a fresh install of Mint 17.3 Cinnamon 
# might be necessary on a cloned OS
# This worked beautifully to restore a boatload of configuration!
dconf load /org/cinnamon/ < dconf.org.cinnamon
echo sleeping... waiting on dconf.org.cinnamon to complete...
sleep 5
dconf load /org/nemo/ < dconf.org.nemo

# Turn on the firewall
ufw enable

# Unhide the Startup Applications in Linux Mint's Startup App GUI
sed -i 's/NoDisplay=true/NoDisplay=false/g' /etc/xdg/autostart/*.desktop

# make symlinks to my themes
ln -s $HOME/.themes/Dans_BurntOrangeLonghorn /usr/share/themes/Dans_BurntOrangeLonghorn
ln -s $HOME/.themes/Dans_MintyGreen-V3 /usr/share/themes/Dans_MintyGreen-V3
ln -s $HOME/.themes/Dans_RainyDayBlues /usr/share/themes/Dans_RainyDayBlues
ln -s $HOME/.themes/Dans_AutumnWoods /usr/share/themes/Dans_AutumnWoods

# create a mount point for my data partition:
mkdir $HOME/DATA
chown $USER:$USER $HOME/DATA
# add data partition to fstab
echo "# mount sda7 on /home/dan/DATA" | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab
echo "UUID=8f13cffd-fb93-4f54-92f6-9eec1f97cbd1   /home/dan/DATA   ext4   defaults,noatime   0   2" | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab
echo "# force temporary files to be stored in ram instead of on disk" | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab
echo "none /tmp     tmpfs nodev,nosuid,mode=1777 0 0" | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab
mount -a

echo Install Samsung printer and scanner drivers...
sleep 3
cd $HOME/bin/SamsungPrinter/uld/
./install.sh
cd $HOME

# install the pirate icon for xkill
rm /usr/share/icons/DMZ-White/cursors/pirate
cp bin/pirate.png /usr/share/icons/DMZ-White/cursors/

echo DONE !
echo Do you want to reboot now?
while true
do
  echo -n "Please confirm y(es) or n(o):"
  read CONFIRM
  case $CONFIRM in
    y|Y|YES|yes|Yes) break ;;
    n|N|no|NO|No)
      echo Aborting - you entered $CONFIRM
      exit
      ;;
    *) echo Please enter only y or n
  esac
done
echo You entered $CONFIRM - rebooting...
shutdown -r now

Last edited by TxLonghorn; 10-10-2017 at 08:57 AM.
 
1 members found this post helpful.
Old 05-03-2020, 11:42 AM   #12
TBotNik
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Registered: May 2016
Location: Greenville, TX
Distribution: Kubuntu 18.04
Posts: 796

Original Poster
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Followup

All,

Upgrading to 18.04 LTS

TBNK
 
  


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