How can I switch to Linux Mint with a clean install and keep my 300GB of data (with metadata) safe? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by kingpepe8006@sh.itjust.works to c/linux4noobs@programming.dev

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Hi all, I'm planning to do a clean install of Linux Mint on my laptop and completely remove Windows. I have about 300GB of personal data on the system and only one SSD, so everything is currently stored on that single drive.

Here’s what I want to do:

Back up all my data safely, without losing any metadata (timestamps, folder structure, etc.).
Wipe Windows and do a clean install of Linux Mint.
Restore my data with everything intact—timestamps, folder structure, and metadata.
Be able to open or run file types that are only supported by Windows, like certain .exe, .msi, or specific file types.

I don’t have a second internal drive, so I’ll probably use an external hard drive or cloud storage.

What i want to know is:

1.What’s the best way to back up and restore my data safely while preserving all metadata?

2.What tools or methods should I use for backup and restore?

3.How can I access or use files that are only supported by Windows once I’ve switched to Linux? Are there workarounds or compatibility layers?

I’m fairly new to Linux, so beginner-friendly advice would be awesome.

Thanks in advance!

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[-] b_tr3e@feddit.org 23 points 3 days ago

If you want to keep your dara safe, back them up. You should have done this all the time. That SSD isn't going to last forever. I could give you advice like creating an extra partition concentrating your data there and keeping it during the install but you -correctly- asked how to keep your data safe and there's just one correct answer: back up.

[-] monogram@feddit.nl 16 points 3 days ago

Also this isn’t Linux only advice, if you own a Mac or Windows device the same rules apply: backup your data!

[-] Dudewitbow@lemmy.zip 2 points 2 days ago

it isnt os specific, this includes any data you don't want to lose, including data on smartphones for example.

people tend to undervalue the cost of hard storage vs the intrinsic value of losing precious data is.

this post was submitted on 14 May 2025

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