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Changing default install directory for Software Center

rated 0 times [ 1] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 8419 / 2 Years ago, sat, march 19, 2022, 1:10:31

I want to change the default install path of the Ubuntu software center. I looked at this article: How do I change Software Center's default installation path? but a) it is for an older version of Ubuntu and b) it isn't clear - in the 3rd answer mainly - if moving the home dir will change the install path of new packages.

Initially, when I installed Ubuntu I was still using Windows, so I made the partition relatively small (40gb) expecting to install some apps, but use my third storage partition (400gb) to keep all my files. Now, I am planning on dumping windows, but don't want to do a clean Install of Ubuntu necessarily.

Furthermore, if I do a clean install, with the home dir backed up, will all my applications be backed up also?

Thank you in advance.

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aslity

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2 Years ago

answered 2 Years ago eving · Accepted Answer

In your case, it would make sense to delete the Windows partition and then expand the one created for Ubuntu. You'll need to use Gparted from the Live CD/USB, and the only disadvantage is, it's gonna take a while -hours rather then minutes. Do it on a weekend, when you don't urgently need that computer.

The home dir doesn't contain applications, so, in case of a clean install, applications will need to be reinstalled. That said, there is a way to save the list of all currently installed packages, which makes the job of reinstalling them less tedious.

Edit:

To save the list of installed packages, run

dpkg --get-selections > ~/Desktop/installed-software

That will create a text file with all the installed packages, back it up, you'll need it after reinstallation.

On the new system, place that file into your home folder, then run:

sudo dpkg --set-selections < installed-software

sudo apt-get -u dselect-upgrade