Ubuntu Reset Guide | Comprehensive Explanation of Commands and Reinstallation Steps

By 佐川 直弘 | Naohiro Sagawa (運営者)

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1. Reasons Why You Might Need to Reset Ubuntu

There are various reasons why you might want to reset your Ubuntu system. This article explains the main situations where resetting is necessary and the benefits of doing so.

Common Situations That Require a Reset

1. System Performance Has Slowed Down
   Over time, unnecessary data and cached files accumulate, causing the system to slow down. Resetting Ubuntu can restore it to a clean and efficient state.
2. Configuration Issues or Software Conflicts
   Conflicts between multiple installed applications or custom settings may cause Ubuntu to malfunction. Resetting the system can resolve these issues effectively.
3. Addressing Security Risks
   If there is a suspicion of unauthorized access or virus infection, resetting the system can help eliminate potential security threats.

Benefits of Resetting Ubuntu

• Restoring a Clean System
  After resetting, your system will be as fresh as a new installation, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
• Removing Unnecessary Data
  Resetting clears out unwanted files and settings, freeing up storage space.
• A Troubleshooting Solution
  If persistent errors or issues arise, resetting Ubuntu can serve as a last-resort troubleshooting method.

Resetting Ubuntu is not only useful for problem-solving but also plays a key role in maintaining long-term system performance. The next section explains the specific methods for resetting Ubuntu.

2. Available Methods for Resetting Ubuntu

There are several ways to reset Ubuntu. In this section, we will explain the two primary methods: “Resetting via Reinstallation” and “Resetting via Command Line.” Each method has its advantages and considerations, so choose the one that best fits your needs.

Resetting via Reinstallation

Overview of the Reinstallation Method

The most common way to completely reset Ubuntu is by reinstalling it. This method erases all existing data and settings, allowing you to start fresh.

Steps for Reinstallation

1. Create an Installation Media

• Download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official website.
• Use a tool like Rufus or Etcher to write the ISO to a USB drive.

1. Boot from the USB Drive

• Restart your computer and access the BIOS or UEFI settings.
• Change the boot order to boot from the USB drive.

1. Start Ubuntu Installation

• In the installation menu, select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu.”
• Enter necessary settings such as time zone, keyboard layout, and user information.

1. Restart After Installation is Complete

• Once the reinstallation is done, the system will boot into a fresh Ubuntu environment.

Advantages and Considerations of Reinstallation

• Advantages
  Since this method fully resets the system, it effectively resolves deep-rooted issues. It also allows you to install the latest version of Ubuntu.
• Considerations
  If you don’t back up important data beforehand, it will be permanently lost.

Resetting via Command Line

Overview of Command-Based Reset

If you want to reset Ubuntu without a complete reinstallation, using commands is an option. This method allows you to erase specific disks or partitions and reset system settings.

Key Commands and Procedures

1. Wipe an Entire Disk

• Use the shred command to securely erase a specified disk: sudo shred -v -n 1 /dev/sdX
  • Replace /dev/sdX with the path to your target disk.
• Warning: This action is irreversible, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

1. Reset a Specific Partition

• Use the dd command to erase partition data: sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdX bs=1M
  • This fills the partition with zeros, effectively resetting it.

1. Reset System Settings

• To reset configuration files in your home directory, use the following command: rm -rf ~/.config
  • This deletes configuration files and restores applications to their default state.

Advantages and Considerations of Command-Based Reset

• Advantages
  You don’t need to reinstall the entire system, and you can reset only specific components.
• Considerations
  Incorrect command execution can result in an unbootable system. Always verify the commands before running them.

3. Backing Up and Restoring Data

Before resetting Ubuntu, it is crucial to back up important data. This section explains effective backup methods to ensure data safety and the necessary steps for restoring data after resetting.

Backup Methods Before Resetting

Importance of Backing Up

Since resetting will completely erase data, failing to back up important files can result in permanent loss. Be sure to back up the following data:

• Personal files (documents, photos, videos, etc.)
• Configuration files (e.g., .config folder)
• Critical system data (SSH keys, database files, etc.)

Backup Methods

1. Save Data to External Storage

• Copy data to an external hard drive or USB drive using: rsync -avh ~/important-directory /media/backup-destination
  • Replace ~/important-directory with the folder you want to back up.
  • Change /media/backup-destination to the mount point of your external drive.

1. Use Cloud Storage

• Upload data to cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive using: rclone copy ~/important-directory remote:backup-folder
  • You need to configure rclone before using this command.

1. Use a Full Backup Tool

• Ubuntu provides dedicated tools for full backups, such as Deja Dup.
  • Installation: sudo apt install deja-dup
  • You can set up scheduled backups easily using the GUI.

Restoring Data After Reset

Important Points When Restoring

When restoring backup data, keep the following in mind:

• Restore data to the correct directories.
• Check file permissions after restoring configuration files.

Restoration Steps

1. Restore from External Storage

• Copy backup data to the original directory using: rsync -avh /media/backup-destination ~/restore-destination

1. Restore from Cloud Storage

• Use rclone to download data from the cloud: rclone copy remote:backup-folder ~/restore-destination

1. Restore Using a Backup Tool

• If you used Deja Dup, restoring is simple via the GUI:
  • Open Deja Dup and select “Restore Backup.”
  • Specify the backup location and start the restoration.

Tips for Effective Backup and Restoration

• Regular Backups
  Even if you’re not planning a reset, it’s best to regularly back up important data.
• Use Multiple Backup Locations
  Backing up data to both external storage and cloud services minimizes the risk of data loss.

Backing up and restoring data is a critical step in the Ubuntu reset process. By following these steps, you can proceed to the next section, “Post-Reset Configuration,” with peace of mind.

4. Post-Reset Configuration

After resetting Ubuntu, you need to perform initial setup and install essential software to use the system comfortably again. This section explains the key steps to take after a reset.

Basic Post-Reset Configuration

System Update and Upgrade

Immediately after resetting, your system may not be fully up to date. Start by updating Ubuntu to ensure security and stability.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Setting Time Zone and Locale

If system time or language settings are incorrect, reconfigure the time zone and locale.

1. Set the Time Zone:

sudo timedatectl set-timezone America/New_York

2. Set the Locale:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure locales

• Enable en_US.UTF-8 for English settings.

Reinstalling Essential Software

Basic Tools for Developers

If you need a development environment, install the following tools.

1. Git:

sudo apt install git -y

• Configure Git: git config --global user.name "Your Name" && git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"

1. Build-Essential (Compilation Tools):

sudo apt install build-essential -y

3. Python and Node.js:

• Python: sudo apt install python3 python3-pip -y
• Node.js: sudo apt install nodejs npm -y

Communication Tools and Browsers

1. Google Chrome:

wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt --fix-broken install -y

2. Communication Apps (Slack, Zoom, etc.):
   Download and install the .deb package from their official websites.

System Optimization Settings

Disabling Unnecessary Services

1. Check Active Services:

systemctl list-unit-files | grep enabled

2. Disable a Service:

sudo systemctl disable service-name

Customizing the System

Adjusting the User Interface

1. Install GNOME Tweaks:

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks -y

2. Change Themes and Wallpapers:
   Use GNOME Tweaks to customize the look and feel.

After completing the post-reset configuration, your Ubuntu system will be fully operational and optimized. The next section covers troubleshooting and common issues that may arise after resetting.