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I have ubuntu 12.04 in my system.I stored Data in /home Directory (I have given one partition of hard disk to this /home folder). and my home directory /home/user.

Now my question is that If I format my system(partition in which os is stored) then will i lost my data stored in /home Directory?

I know I will lost my data of /home/user directory.

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  • /home/user contains the files for a specific user account.
    – Avinash Raj
    Jan 16, 2014 at 5:51
  • your question was not clear.Format my system refers to both formatting the whole disk or formatting a specific partition where Ubuntu is installed.
    – Avinash Raj
    Jan 16, 2014 at 6:04
  • the /home directory is already on its own partition. when you format your root partition, the /home paritition will keep intact.
    – sgx1
    Jan 16, 2014 at 6:38

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Since you make your /home on other partition that the / partition then you ARE NOT going to lost the data unless you will format the /home which you are not going to do.

Just when you format your PC just format the / partition and don't touch the /home partition then you'll be safe.

Ubuntu Community says:
Setting up /home on a separate partition is beneficial because your settings, files, and desktop will be maintained if you upgrade, (re)install Ubuntu or another distro. This works because /home has a subdirectory for each user's settings and files which contain all the data & settings of that user. Also, fresh installs for linux typically like to wipe whatever partition they are being installed to so either the data & settings need to be backed-up elsewhere or else avoid the fuss each time by having /home on a different partition.

You can read more about here

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    I agree with @maythux. Since you've located your home folder on a separate partition you won't loose data if you only format the specific partition. Additionally, once you've installed you may have to assign ownership to that home directory to whatever the new user you're creating after a fresh install. More here on partitioning > help.ubuntu.com/community/Partitioning/Home/Moving
    – AzkerM
    Jan 16, 2014 at 6:01
  • Thank you maythux. I was confused because I thought OS is controlling /home though it is partitioned(/home) but now clear.
    – Satyam Koyani
    Jan 16, 2014 at 6:24
  • @SatyamKoyani You are welcome friend
    – Maythux
    Jan 16, 2014 at 7:07
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If you format your system, then yes, you will use that data. I would suggest backing up that information via an external drive, a Dropbox account, or Ubuntu One cloud storage.

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