On Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:33:12 -0400
Haines Brown via Dng <dng@???> wrote:

> Tito, I replied to your note, but doubt that the reply went out.
> My email may be down. My brower cannot find URLs. althougn I can
> ping.

I could read it.

> If this messages somehow to get out, could I reinstall the system
> without reformatting my home directory?
>

I theory yes. Before doing anything making a backup of your home directory is a very good idea. Then:

a) if your home directory is on a separate hard disk  just pull the cable
     reinstall to your other hardisk and then replug the cable and modify
     /etc/fstab so that it is mounted to /home/your_user_name

b) if everything is on the same hardisk: make a full backup, install, copy your backup to the system
     and make sure you own the files: chown -r your_uid:your_gid /home/haines

     b1) this could also be done on the fly with the installer but I don't remember all the exact steps,
              best is going with the backup and restore way.

Ciao,
Tito