1

I'm a Debian user. I just created my own GPG public key. I'm just wondering if I re-install Linux on my system, is it possible to use the original GPG key or do I have to create a new one?

NOTE: If you know any good example sites for using the GPG key, it would be very helpful.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Delete the file ~/.gnupg/random_seed. Then make a backup of the whole directory ~/.gnupg/. Copy it back after reinstalling the OS.

Take care to securely erase the files on the backup storage if other people might get access to it (e.g. if it's a USB stick).

Usually /home is put on a separate volume so that the user data is not affected by an OS change.

Improve this answer
3
  • How do you securely erase a USB stick? It'd be better to store it on an encrypted filesystem.
    – Johnny
    Commented Nov 26, 2014 at 17:25
  • @Hauke Laging, When I visit some blog site, then I saw the GPG key. Is there any reason to show their own GPG key to people ?
    – Changju.rhee
    Commented Nov 27, 2014 at 18:01
  • 1
    @Changju.rhee You obviously have to read some very basic stuff about asymmetric crypto. emailselfdefense.fsf.org/en
    – Hauke Laging
    Commented Nov 27, 2014 at 19:51

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .