How to get list of installed packages for migrating between machines?

[otakuj462]

Hi,

I'm migrating to a new Lucid Lynx machine, and I'd like to install all of the packages that I currently have installed on my old machine. Is there a way to query a list of all packages that are currently installed on a particular system, such that I could simply throw this list at apt-get on a new system?

Please let me know. Thanks,

Jake

[Rubi1200]

See this:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=819396

[oldfred]

If all your debs are current and you do not want to download all new files Rubi1200 way looks good. I also have seen recommendations for aptonCD but have not used it.

If installing to a newer version or downloading is not an issue.

sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list ~/sources.list.backup
Otherwise if you have added any PPAs or other sources, this tip won't work.
generate new sources file

from lovinglinux - use dpkg to list installed apps
http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php...75&postcount=5
http://repogen.simplylinux.ch/index.php
http://kevin.vanzonneveld.net/techbl...selectupgrade/

and using synaptic
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1057608

I have used the commands
dpkg --get-selections | grep -v deinstall > ubuntu-files
or
dpkg --get-selections > ubuntu-files

I also periodically run the above command and save into /home so my backup has a list reasonably current. I used it to recreate my Karmic on my portable and for my upgrade to Lucid. The first time I used it was from my Jaunty which was upgraded in place for about 3 years. List had a lot of older programs, so be sure to houseclean in synaptic before running if that applies.

List with explanations of programs, not for reinstall
dpkg -l > ~/Desktop/installed_programs.txt

[otakuj462]

Thanks, that was exactly what I needed to know!

Jake