If you have wondered how to reinstall Linux Ubuntu on your PC, either because the system becomes slow or you want to return it to its factory state, we will explain how to do this without losing files.
Like any other operating system, Ubuntu can be affected by bugs and problems. This usually happens when you have used the operating system for a long time. Like the other Linux distributions, Ubuntu has many tools, which you can access from the beginning.
How to reinstall Linux Ubuntu to repair and recover files?
In the first instance, it doesn’t hurt to make a backup for your files as usual. This is to avoid any loss due to human error when reinstalling. This is something that will not take any time and can be very helpful.
You must also have the ISO image of the system to be able to install it. This can be obtained from any database of Linux systems. If you still keep the previous one, it will also serve you.
In the first instance, you must boot the ISO image on a USB drive. After this, you will proceed to restart the computer. While it is turning on, press the start key. Usually, it is the F11, but this varies depending on the computer model you have. In some cases, when you turn it on, it appears in a corner which is the indicated button. Pressing it will open a window with all the units connected to the PC. You must choose the one for your pendrive.
Usually, in Linux installations, a black window appears with a list of options. Here, you will only have to select install. After this, the installer will open, and in this menu, you will have first to choose the language and click on next, then you will have to select to install multimedia packages, and lastly and most importantly, click on ‘reinstall.’ This will not delete any files.
What happens to my computer when I reinstall Ubuntu?
When you install an operating system, you copy certain key files from the USB to the main disk. In this way, you are given the necessary information so that all the system files are installed. This is the common way to install an operating system and is almost always done from scratch.
For this reason, all the files are deleted since the same installation wizard makes a quick format for your unit. Allowing it to be clean of all viruses or corrupted files, personal data is lost in this type of installation. It is not recommended for cases in which information cannot be lost.
In this particular case, we are doing a similar process but eliminating the factor that deletes the files. When you reinstall a system, you do not format the hard drive but instead replace the original files with new ones, thus allowing errors to be corrected.
Depending on the version of Ubuntu you will install, you may have a different tool. You must take into account what your needs are to choose the best version.
What reasons can lead me to want to reinstall Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is one of the most widely used Linux distributions today, which has a graphical interface that is very pleasant to look at. Besides being based on Linux, it hardly needs any special attention.
However, although it is normal to think that this system is completely safe against attacks, the reality is that viruses capable of damaging it have been developed. Currently, it is necessary to be careful when installing applications.
The reasons why someone needs to reinstall Ubuntu can be very varied, but it is usually due to some error when installing a plugin. And that this is responsible for partially damaging the system or removing utilities from it.
Fortunately, it is not necessary to lose your files when doing this, and in case a backup is impossible. You will be able to carry out the same process and not lose your database.
How to recover deleted or corrupted files with Linux Ubuntu
Linux Ubuntu offers its users different, very versatile tools to recover deleted or damaged files. And in this case, we will use TestDisk, which you must install first through the direct package manager. For this, we will use the following command ‘sudo apt Install testdisk.’
The next step is to run this tool. For this, use the following command ‘testdisk sudo.’Â This action will generate a series of options to be displayed on the screen. To navigate between them, you must use the arrows on the keyboard. The next step is to select the ‘Create’ option and then hit the Enter key.
When performing this action, the different disks will be displayed on the screen, and you must choose the one where the file was located. And then select the ‘Continue’ option. Select the partition type and then the ‘Advanced’ option. Now, select the partition that will generally be the one with the most sectors and then select the ‘Recover’ option.
You will observe that the deleted file will be displayed on the screen. The next step to recover it is to select it and then press on the C key. Finally, choose the location you will give to the recovered file. And ready in this way, you have recovered a deleted file using a very efficient tool in Linux Ubuntu.
How can I install Ubuntu on Windows 10 easily?
Installing Linux Ubuntu on Windows 10 can be a very simple task to perform, and in our case, we will show you how to install version 19.10. But first, you will need to activate the Windows subsystem for Linux WSL.
For this, go to the Windows start button, then select ‘Control Panel’ then ‘Program’ and finally select ‘ Activate or deactivate Windows features. You will have several options in these windows and check the ‘Windows for Linux’ Subsystem box.
Once this step is completed, you must download Linux Ubuntu. To do this, go to the Start menu and select ‘Microsoft Store.’ From this application, look for the latest version that is available. In our case, it is Ubuntu 19.10 LTS. Next, click on the ‘Install’ option.
When the download is complete, go to the start menu again and look for Linux Ubuntu and select it to start the application. All you have to do is go through the configuration process, where it will ask you to enter a username and password. And ready. In this simple way, you have installed Linux Ubuntu on Windows 10.
How to install and start Ubuntu from a USB or Pendrive
If you have Linux Ubuntu on a USB or Pendrive and you want to install and start it on your computer, you have to follow these simple steps.
- First, you must download UNetBootin on your PC, which you can do in a very simple way from the Synaptic tool.
- You should also download the Linux Ubuntu ISO image on your computer.
- Once you carry out these steps, you must enter ‘Applications’ and then select ‘System Tools .’ From there, you will run UNetBootin.
- The next step is to insert the USB drive into the input port. You will be asked to choose a source, and in our case, we will select the ISO image that we previously downloaded.
- Now, choose the destination, select the Pendrive or USB drive, and press the ‘OK’ option.
The process will begin, and this may take a few minutes. In the end, you must proceed to restart your PC and perform the BIOS settings. This so that the boot is carried out from the USB drive or Pendrive.
Modify BIOS settings
To enter the BIOS and thus be able to modify its configuration, you must restart the PC. When the process of starting up and loading the operating system begins, press the ‘Delete’ or ‘Esc’ key repeatedly. Although in some devices, this key may vary and may be the F1, F2, F10 keys. F11, F12, to enter the BIOS.
Choose boot mode
After entering the BIOS, we will be able to make the necessary adjustments in its configuration to choose the boot mode from the USB drive. Use the arrow key to move through this window. In our case, we will select the option ‘Advanced BIOS Features,’ and then we will press the Enter key.
You will be taken to a new window. In it, you will find several options to locate the option that will allow you to start from the Pendrive. Go down to the First Boot Device option, where the CDROM option is marked. Change this selection to USB, then press the F10 key to save and exit the BIOS.
How to create boot memory for Ubuntu
To create the boot memory for Ubuntu, you must do the following:
- Go to the Boot Disk Creator program.
- Once there, select the ISO Image to load.
- The next step is to choose the USB drive or Pendrive.
- To finish, you must select the option ‘Create boot disk’ and wait for the process to finish.
Can Ubuntu be used without installing it on the computer?
One of the many advantages that the Ubuntu Linux distribution offers is that it can be used without installing it on your personal computer. It allows it to be run from RAM in Live mode. In this way, you will use this extraordinary tool without taking up space on your hard drive.
How to use Ubuntu without installing it
One of the advantages of this Ubuntu Linux distribution is that you can use it without downloading it to your hard disk. As we already mentioned, it is possible to use this tool from a USB memory and use the Live mode. You can also use Ubuntu through the VirtualBox program.
Ways To Install Linux Ubuntu On VirtualBoxÂ
Although it may not seem like it, installing Linux Ubuntu through the VirtualBox program is very easy to do, and it will only take you to perform a few steps. The first step to carry out and the most logical is downloading the VirtualBox program to your PC. This tool is available for computers with Linux, Windows, and macOS operating systems.
The next step is to download the Ubuntu ISO File. This must be the latest version and LTS. It can be contained in a USB drive or Pendrive, but it can also be on a DVD. Having all this, you have to configure a virtual machine. For this, open the VirtualBox program. In it, select the ‘New’ option.
Now, you have to put the name that can be the version of Ubuntu installed. In ‘Type,’ select Linux and in ‘version,’ choose Ubuntu 64 bits and click on ‘Next. Now, go on to establish the memory size that your virtual machine will have, which must have 25% of the RAM, and then click on ‘Next.’
The next step is to create a virtual disk. For this, select the ‘Create’ option. The VDI option must be selected and click ‘Next.’ The next step is to select the option ‘Dynamically assigned .’ You will then click on ‘Next.’ Finally, select the Create option. Now, you only need to attach the ISO to the virtual disk drive.
Ubuntu Virtual Machine
The next step is to choose the Ubuntu virtual machine and select the option ‘Settings’ then ‘Storage.’ Choose ‘IDE of the controller’ then in the attributes window, you must choose the option IDE Secondary Master. The next step is to select ‘ Choose a disk file .’Â You will find and select the Ubuntu ISO option and finally ‘OK’ and then ‘OK.’
Now you will only have to start Ubuntu so that the virtual machine loads, and then you can click on any of the two options that the system will provide you. But in our case, we are going to click on the option ‘Install Ubuntu.’ At the end of the installation, you will make the configuration settings that the installation wizard will show you.
