How to cross-upgrade Fedora x86(32-bit) => x86_64(64-bit) using 'preupgrade'

[Gerry Reno]

Mat Booth wrote:
> On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 5:41 AM, Gerry Reno <greno at verizon.net> wrote:
>   
>> For the past couple months I've been working on finding a way to
>> successfully upgrade Fedora x86(32-bit) to x86_64(64-bit).  I had almost
>> given up because nothing seemed to work despite dozens of different
>> approaches.  Then a couple days ago I started a new set of experiments and
>> now I have successfully cross-upgraded three different systems using this
>> technique.  On the three machines that I used, all the configs that I set up
>> were still in place after the upgrade.  The machines behaved normally and I
>> have not found any sign of problems yet.  But, it would be difficult to see
>> how this technique could ever be fully automated because it requires a
>> certain amount of manual inspection in a number of places.  And it's
>> probably something that could not be officially supported.  But at least it
>> appears there may now be a technique to perform a successful 32-bit =>
>> 64-bit upgrade.  And for those who have heavily configured machines this may
>> be worth a try.  Anyway, here's the technique:
>>
>>     
>
> You sir, are a hero. I wanted to do exactly this once F11 is released
> and was disappointed to learn it wasn't possible in an earlier thread
> on this list (that I can't immediately find the link to).
>
> I think I will give this a try (won't be until next month, though).
> Worst case scenario is I just blat it away and reinstall from scratch,
> which is what I was planning anyway.
>
>   
Exactly.  That's how we looked at.  We had nothing to lose by trying to 
do this because the alternative was a complete wipe of the system anyhow.

Regards,
Gerry