How to downgrade from squeeze to lenny

Question

I am trying to downgrade from Squeeze back to Lenny with the usual method by adding to my /etc/apt/preferences

Package: *
Pin: release a=oldstable
Pin-Priority: 1001

and then doing "sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade" but for some reason it does not work (i got both stable and oldstable in sources.list)

“Does not work” is a useless description. You have the preferences right, but downgrades aren't officially supported, and typically need to be babysitted.
Right, I wouldn't post if it worked. Any details concerning "babysitting" downgrades? Would greatly appreciate.

jscott · Answer 1 · 2011-03-28 11:19:58Z

up vote 2 down vote accepted

The last article I read suggested you need a fresh Lenny install I'm afraid.

Hopefully it's only 20 mins or so. I'd opt for that after a quick backup.

jscott
10.1k21637

answered Mar 27 '11 at 19:22

	That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for confirmation. – helcim Mar 27 '11 at 19:35
	No problem at all. – Jonathan Ross Mar 27 '11 at 19:43
	It seems it's necessary to download the full CD or DVD and you can't find the mirror easily on Debian website. However the page is still there so I give the address for those unlucky few who have to downgrade debian.org/releases/lenny/debian-installer – helcim May 13 '11 at 7:27

feedback

1 Answer