Help Me Install EndeavourOS Without Losing My Data

General system Newbie
1

Hi, I’m a complete newbie and want to install EndeavourOS. But

  1. I’m using Windows 10 and Kali Linux in a dual boot setup.

  2. I also have Parrot OS in GRUB/boot manager (not sure what it’s called :slightly_smiling_face:) since I used it from a USB live boot. So, a total of 3 OS options, but Parrot is broken.

  3. Now I want to remove all 3 OS—best if I can wipe the disk—but I need to keep my data.

How do I install EndeavourOS while keeping my data? Can I create a disk partition to back up my files, then remove the OS and install EndeavourOS?

If there’s a solution or method, please explain.
Sorry if I made it too complicated, and thanks in advance!

2

Where is your data currently?

3

Do you have an external hard drive or something similar to back up your data? If not it’s going to be a bit more involved to keep both your data and wipe the disk, potentially risking a total loss of your data in case of a mistake.

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4

On, drive in windows 10.I don’t need data of linux. I have all i need in only windows.

5

I have but it’s not enough to keep all my data.
I don’t need data of linux. I have all i need in only windows.

6

In that case the procedure would be:

  1. Install EndeavourOS and select the Linux partition as target partition. Do not select the ‘wipe disk’ option.
  2. Move your data from the Windows partition to your Linux partition. You should be able to mount the Windows partition in you file manager of choice.
  3. Delete the Windows (and ParrotOS partition if I understood you correctly) and resize the EndeavourOS partition to fill the now freed up drive space.

Some words of caution:

  • Be extremely careful with each individual step! Any mistake can potentially lead to data loss. Make backups of the data you cannot afford to lose or, in case you can’t do that, take it to an expert to do the install for you. If you have any doubts about the individual steps, ask before you accidentally delete your data.
  • Depending on how much data you have on you Windows partition compared to the target Linux partition, it may not work. You’ll have to do the arithmetic on that yourself.
  • Wiping the disk probably won’t work/ will make waaay more complicated. Just use the existing GRUB unless it’s broken.
7

So i can
1)backup my data to a separated partition
2) install endeavouros to current kali linux partition
3)wipe windows partition
4)remove kali, windows and parrot from boot manager

Note: i won’t use windows anymore even as dualboot, i just have personal data on windows which i wanna save.

Did i missed anything ?

8

Not sure how much data we’re talking about, but in principle you shouldn’t need to move it to a new partition if it’s on the Windows partition. Just install EndeavourOS in the now Kali partition and then move your data from the Windows partition to the EndeavourOS partition (assuming that that partition is big enough; if it isn’t you’ll have a problem in either case). After that you can delete the Windows partition and add that space to your EOS partiton.

Example:

Step 0 (current status):

  • sda1 (Windows): 500GB. 200GB personal data
  • sda2 (Kali): 400GB
  • sda3 (ParrotOS): 100GB
    → You may want to consolidate partition sda2 and sda3 into one single partition as an initial step

Step 1:

  • sda1 (Windows) → Unchanged, still has your personal data
  • sda2 → Install EndeavourOS here

Step 2:
You should be able to access the Windows partition as a separate drive from EOS. Copy the data over to sda2

  • sda1: Now only contains the Windows install
  • sda2: Contains EOS and your personal data

Step 3:
Delete the windows partition and resize sda2 to fill the whole drive (except whatever other, system relevant partitions you may have, e.g. swap partitions).

If you provide more system information people can give you more specific help. From this point on things will be guesswork.

9

Thanks i got it.
My total disk = ssd is 512gb and i have total merely 100gb+ data to backup. So it won’t be a problem.
I will just do as you said.
But would it be a problem if i backup my data on different partition, install eos on different partition, delete windows, keep 2 partitions for data and eos forever?

10

Thanks for help​:smiley:

11

100GB is a relatively trivial amount with the present availability of affordable external storage. If your data is important to you, and losing it all is something that will not be ok, then I strongly recommend backing up your data to an external drive as @TheRaOct initially suggested.

This is regardless of how you choose to approach the task. A simple mistake and all your data could be gone, so a backup is really important.

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12

Then wipe disk and do the usual install?

13

That option would then be available to you, but you could attempt any of the options, with the knowledge that your data is at least backed up :wink:

14

Yep,i understand :sweat_smile:

15

@Bink just wanna know.

16

No issue with that. Just when it comes to partitioning, formatting, installing, etc, I’d recommend a separate external backup of data that is precious where possible, because mistakes happen.

1 Like
17

Currently reading the same post on Garuda. :rofl:

18

I’m complete noob, which community helpss me best, i will use that distro. :face_holding_back_tears:

But why You are on both forum? :joy:

19

I’m on most forums reading. :+1:

20

He is Stalking you :rofl:

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