Upgrading Puppy Linux

Unlike other operating systems Puppy Linux does not have incremental or periodic upgrades. To upgrade Puppy Linux perform a fresh install either save file or full hard drive depending on your needs.

Before Upgrading To New  Version of Puppy Linux

Live boot version of Puppy Linux you plan to upgrade to. Confirm that new version meets your needs and all hardware functions. Shutdown computer but do not create a save file. If necessary, review this procedure: Experiment Without Overwriting Save File

Backup Files and Add-On Software

Backup all personal and / or installed add-on software either to removable media, external hard drive, network attached storage or separate hard drive partition. Removable media is preferable as it is less prone to failure. Using more than one backup media is also recommend as this helps insure that at least one backup will be functional.

Retain copies of all add-on software you use or install on your system for future use or reinstallation.

• PET
• SFS
• Codecs
• Libraries

Note and Record User Settings

Make note of any special software preferences or system settings you may have made.

Upgrading Puppy Linux Save File Install

When Puppy first boots (while splash-screen is visible) a message appears momentarily asking if you want to use alternate boot parameters. When this message appears immediately press F2 key, then type puppy pfix=ram now press Enter. In this mode Puppy Linux runs solely from RAM (128MB minimum required). You will now be prompted to setup your hardware just as you did when first booting Puppy Linux without a save file. Follow prompts and complete setup. Puppy Linux will now boot normally.

Perform these steps while running Puppy Linux in RAM

• Delete save file.
• Delete pup_???.sfs (where ??? is version number)
• Boot new version of Puppy Linux using Live Disc.
  
• At shutdown perform a save file install.

Reinstall From Backups

• Any add-on software not bundled with new version of Puppy Linux you want like to keep using.
• Copy personal files from backup media to same locations as in previous install.

Upgrading Puppy Linux Hard Drive Install

• Delete contents of Puppy Linux partition.
• Perform full hard drive install of new Puppy Linux version per method recommended for either stand alone or dual boot install with Windows or any other operating system you may have.

Reinstall From Backups

• Any add-on software not bundled with new version of Puppy Linux you want to keep using.
• Copy personal files from backup media to same locations as in previous install.