How to Reinstall Ubuntu System

If your Ubuntu system is experiencing performance issues, system errors, malware, or even issues with the file system, a complete reinstall of the operating system is the best solution. As time goes by, system configuration and misconfiguration, broken packages, and incompatible software updates bundled together can destabilize the system.

System reinstallation is useful when users intend to update to a newer version of Ubuntu, switch between desktop environments, or modify the layout of the file system. Through a clean installation, persistent errors can be resolved, allowing for smoother operation of the system with up-to-date software and settings.

By considering its importance, this complete guide will help you get through the process of reinstalling Ubuntu while retaining all your important files.

Prerequisites Before Reinstallation

Before taking any steps, you need to know the right circumstances for the reinstallation of Ubuntu. These include your system being severely corrupted and unable to function, your system becoming slow over time, or if you want to upgrade to a newer version. 

This comprehensive guide will help you reinstall Ubuntu with step-by-step instructions, ensuring safe and effective measures.

1. Backup Important Files

The first thing you need to do is to create a duplicate of the files saved in the system. Every user’s data in Ubuntu is stored in the /home folder. It contains all documents, downloads, desktop files, along with application configurations. From this directory, back up all the important subfolders such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Downloads folders.

In the case of some application data, do not forget to backup browser bookmarks with saved passwords, any data from email clients, custom application preferences, and locally saved data files. All these backups can be stored on external HDDs, the Cloud, or Network-attached storage.

2. Verify Hardware Requirements

All devices and parts of the system must be compatible with the version of Ubuntu you want to install:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster.
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended).
• Storage: At least 25 GB of space on your drive
• Internet Connection: Available for downloading required software updates, third-party add-ons during software installation, and other updates.

Reinstallation of Ubuntu System: Step-by-Step Guide

Reinstalling Ubuntu has its benefits, including strengthened system stability, performance, and other functionalities. Additionally, problems such as frequent crashes, systematic slowdowns, application hangs, malware, or file corruption can also be resolved. With that, let’s view the steps to reinstallation:

Step 1: Downloading the Ubuntu ISO

First, make sure to check the official Ubuntu downloads page for the latest version, and that you have the appropriate architecture type, that being either 32-bit or 64-bit. Most modern systems will utilize 64-bit, so let’s click the download button and wait until it is fully downloaded:

Step 2: Creating a Bootable USB Stick

From Rufus to Etcher to the default Startup Disk Creator on Ubuntu, there are many programs that can create bootable USB drives.

For Ubuntu Users:

For those on Ubuntu, ensure the USB is a bare minimum of 8GB and simply open the Startup Disk Creator app:

Don’t forget to select the downloaded Ubuntu ISO as well as the USB drive before hitting Make Startup Disk to give it the necessary boot:

For Windows Users:

Next, download and install Rufus. After this, put a USB drive into the system. Then open Rufus, select the USB drive, and choose the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded. In the end, hit the START button:

Step 3: Booting from the USB Drive

Plug the USB into the computer with Ubuntu and open the boot menu. Setting the boot priority to the USB drive comes next by heading to the BIOS/UEFI settings, typically accessible via F2/F10/F12/Del keys.

Changes to the BIOS/UEFI menu must be saved before exiting, as that will allow Ubuntu’s installation menu to be booted. With these steps completed, the computer will now properly boot from the USB:

Step 4: Starting the Ubuntu Installation

The last step will be the initiation of the live environment where Ubuntu is installed. You can test the system functionality before proceeding with the installation. Let’s pick Install Ubuntu from the installation menu and press the Next button:

Now, starting from language selection, the installer will walk you through multiple steps of configuration. Let’s choose the Keyboard layout to be set as the default system language and the language for voice during the installation process.

Continue after selecting the Keyboard layout and configuring settings:

Now, you have to choose the Installation Type:

• Full Installation: Comes with an internet browser, other customary tools, an office application suite, games, and media players.
• Default Installation: Comes with an internet browser and basic utilities.

Optionally, check the boxes to:

• Download updates while installing Ubuntu.
• Install third-party media formats, Wi-Fi devices, and graphical (desktop) software.

After the selection, click Next:

Step 5: Allocating Disk Space

There are several ways of reinstalling Ubuntu. Within the installation type window, choose how you wish to do so:

• Erase disk and install Ubuntu: This option deletes the previously installed OS and replaces it with a new installation.
• Manual partitioning: This option allows you to change how the disk is partitioned (useful for advanced users with multiple partitions). Ensure you have sufficient free disk space when using manual partitioning to install Ubuntu, to prevent any conflicts.

To begin, select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu.” This choice will delete all existing data and create a new installation of Ubuntu. Make sure you have complete data backups before undertaking this option:

Validate your selections when asked. Finally, hit the Install button:

Step 6: Configure Your System

In this step, pick your timezone. After that, hit Next:

Now, provide a full name, username, computer name, and password to create an account. Always set a strong password that has letters, digits, and special characters. The computer name will identify your system on networks, so select something descriptive and distinctive. System settings can be used to modify quite a bit of this information later, but if they are not set optimally, it can be inconvenient.

Let’s fill the boxes with your name, computer name, username, and password. After that, click Next to begin installation:

Step 7: Complete the Installation

The installation procedure runs from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your hardware speed and the options chosen. The installer is busy copying files, configuring the system, and installing the bootloader. You can still use the live environment while the installation is going on in the background.

You will have to wait for a few minutes for the step to complete. Once the step is complete, you will notice a prompt asking you to restart your computer. Click Restart Now:

In the end, remove the USB drive when prompted. Your PC will reboot into the Ubuntu environment:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

In case you encounter issues related to booting your system for the first time after installation, you should go to your system BIOS/UEFI settings and look for the boot order. In case the order is set to prioritize the installation media over the internal drive, consider changing it. 

For most situations, graphics issues can be fixed by installing proprietary drivers through the “System Settings” section under “Additional Drivers”.

Issues with network connectivity can be explained by not having installed the appropriate drivers for your network hardware. The Ubuntu environment can help determine if the problems stem from the hardware or the configuration.

Conclusion

Reinstall Ubuntu when upgrading to a new system version, switching between graphical user interfaces, or when modifying the functionality of the system for another model. This helps to maintain smooth and effective operations without residual complications. This guide has step-by-step instructions on how to reinstall Ubuntu without issues. Be sure to create data backups and prepare the installation media before proceeding.

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