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I'm brand new to Linux/Ubuntu, and I have multiple flash drives with the latest release on it. Last night, I mistakenly installed the 32-bit OS while I intended to install the 64 bit. Just before doing so, I took an image of Windows 7 64 in case something went wrong.

I want to upgrade to 64 bit version of Ubuntu while keeping W7 64. Is there a way for me to easily do this? If I use my 64 bit live disk, will the 64 bit version overwrite the 32 bit?

Alternatively, could I just recover the PC from the image I took before installing Ubuntu, wiping everything clean INCLUDING 32-bit Ubuntu (then install 64)? Or will the W7 recovery ignore Ubuntu all together?

Thanks All!

Braiam
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candlepinfrank
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4 Answers4

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Yes, if you attempt to install the 64 bit image it should give you the option to overwrite the 32 bit one. If memory serves me correctly, it is pretty friendly and you get presented with the option to keep windows and overwrite the ubuntu installation. But if not, you can just choose the linux partition to overwrite.

Personally I would avoid recovering the whole PC if you can help it. This sounds like a "nuclear" last resort kind of thing to do if you screw up somehow and blow the windows partition away altogether.

TooTone
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Are the two of operating systems in the same drive ?

If not you can remove the Ubuntu (maybe by formatting the drive) and then install a fresh 64 bit; In this way you will probably lose the booting options which can be recovered by repairing the grub:

How can I repair grub? (How to get Ubuntu back after installing Windows?)

Community
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hatef
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Best to use Something Else or manual install.

Choose existing / (root) partition, format ext4.

Same for /home if separate partition, if you have any data in /home DO NOT check format on it.

It should find existing swap.

Reinstall says overwrite Ubuntu but it also erases existing Windows.

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/ubiquity/+bug/1265192

oldfred
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You can install Ubuntu64bit above Ubuntu32bit while keeping your documents by following the following procedure of the Community Ubuntu Documentation: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UbuntuReinstallation

LovinBuntu
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