Being a newcomer to Linux, I have managed to entirely brick my desktop after just 5 months. My OS is Ubuntu 18.04.1, running on an HP Compaq desktop. The problem was originally a login loop, described here, but I don't think I'll be able to find a solution for that now. Thankfully, I made a complete backup of my data and settings before my computer became unusable.
My system is currently this: a 250 GB SSD With Ubuntu installed on it and mounted at /. My /home folder is on a 500 GB HDD with all my data.
Now what I want to do, if possible, is re-install Ubuntu (I still have the DVD ISO) on my 250GB SSD, completely replacing the old copy. I would also like to do that without wiping my 500 GB drive if at all possible. I don't want to use my backup unless absolutely necessary.
I am familiar with the general installation process of Ubuntu, and know there are two ways to go about this. Either use the 'reinstall' option, or use 'custom install'.
Will either of these options accomplish what I want, and if so, which one is better?
Surely someone has run into this before and knows what works best.
Any help is appreciated.
