How can I (re)install Ubuntu from within Ubuntu?

I am running Ubuntu 12.04, and I have a Ubuntu 13.04 on a USB drive.

I want to format my hard drive and install Ubuntu 13.04. I don't have a CD, and my computer won't boot from USB.

Petah

Posted 2013-07-01T10:15:33.273

Reputation: 1 046

You can use GRUB like in my answer here: http://superuser.com/questions/558959/can-i-install-windows-using-a-virtual-disk-drive

– gronostaj – 2013-07-01T10:47:09.480

Answers

From AskUbuntu:

To upgrade from Ubuntu 12.10 on a desktop system:

Open Software Sources.
Switch to the Updates tab and set Notify me of a new Ubuntu version to For any new version.
Press Alt+F2 and type in "update-manager -d" (without the quotes) into the command box.
Update Manager should open up and tell you: New distribution release '13.04' is available.
Click Upgrade and follow the on-screen instructions.

No need for USB device. However, if you don't have internet connection it won't work.

matan129

Posted 2013-07-01T10:15:33.273

Reputation: 1 914

Does that allow me to format, or is that just an upgrade? – Petah – 2013-07-01T10:23:28.140

I am not sure, but it makes sense that it will ask you if you want to format. Actually I have dual-boot laptop with Ubuntu 12.04, so I will check this now. – matan129 – 2013-07-01T10:26:32.873

Also, have you tried changing the boot order via the boot menu? it should let you boot from USB. – matan129 – 2013-07-01T10:35:18.460

Yea I tried changing the boot order, there was a "Removable Media" option, but it didn't work. – Petah – 2013-07-01T12:22:53.130

Can you determine your motherboard model and write it here? By the way, Ubuntu Upgrade doesn't have the option of formatting, I've checked. – matan129 – 2013-07-01T12:28:10.360

You won't be able to do a format and install without booting from some external device.

Simkill

Posted 2013-07-01T10:15:33.273

Reputation: 1 557

Can I not make Ubuntu boot from the USB? or Grub maybe? – Petah – 2013-07-01T10:23:52.283

1Booting from USB will be a bios option in your PC, it won't be anything to do with the operating system you're trying to boot into. – Simkill – 2013-07-01T10:36:04.567