How can I delete the OS but keep my files and data?

Installing Zorin OS
1

I have my Zorin 16 lite on 1tb hdd. I'm about to add SSD, therefore I'd like to upgrade to Zorin 17 and install it on said SSD.
I don't need Zorin 16 lite anymore so I'd like to remove it but keep my files and data on the HDD, where they're now.
How can I achieve it?

2

You could either clone ur hhd to the new SSD ,SSD needs to be larger than ur current hhd.
But probably better is to save what u want to external. Then add again after SSD

3

I don't see a problem at all, you want to use the new drive as OS drive. So what is the problem now ? you can use the second drive (zorin 16 drive), keep the folders you need and trash all others. Use Gparted to get the space back that got reserved etc.

4

I want to fresh install zorin 17 on the 256gb SSD and delete 16 lite from the HDD, but keep all my data and programs. I don't want to migrate all the files to the SSD

5

How many GB are we talking about? You could cloud the files temporarily and then download them when you have set up you disks.

6

I think he/she is talking about partitioning the drive to keep the home folder.

7

That is also what I was thinking i.e. using the Something Else Method to install Z17 over Z16, but omitting to Format /home partition. However, that would be on their HDD not the new SSD. Unless of course they Imaged the Z16 HDD and put that on the SSD, then did Z17 install using Something Else method, without Formatting /home).

I guess if Z16 was able to run on the SSD, the ZorinOS Software Upgrader could be used to change from Z16 to Z17.

In any event I would suggest use Backup app (deja dup) to backup Home partition for safe keeping on an external drive. Maybe also copy the folders and files from Home to external drive (or cloud storage as suggested by Storm).