ok if you enter the linpus>home>user folder, are your files in there ?
genius -looks like they are in there !!
OK insert the other USB stick, DO NOT unplug the Ubuntu USB stick though, and see if you can copy/paste them to the new USB stick.
and I mean COPY not move. 
that seems to have worked !all safe and on the stick!cheers.
So if i m happy with ubuntu i
just install ?
also is there a webcam facilty on this ? i lost the linpus one ages ago ?
That depends… do you want Ubuntu, or would you rather attempt to fix Linpus Lite ?
Obviously your options are
a) Attempt to fix Linpus
b) (if that goes wrong) Reinstall Linpus
c) Install Ubuntu, or another Linux distro.
also is there a webcam facilty on this ? i lost the linpus one ages ago ?
What do you mean… for recording the webcam ? … an app similar to MSN that will use the webcam ? … or Skype ?
thought i d try ubuntu for a couple of days on the stick then decide from there -it looks much more interesting to me but linpus is easier for my daughter …the webcam stopped working a while back —my daughter wants to skype granny in wales…
Yes skype can easily be installed in Ubuntu…
You may have to enable the partner repositories… can’t remember in 11.04
Try this…
in the Application lens, search for Ubuntu Software Centre and start it.
In Ubunttu Software Centre, search for Skype … if it’s listed, click it, then click install.
When it’s installed… search the Application lens for skype, and click the icon to launch.
If it’s NOT listed in the Ubuntu Software Centre, let me know and we’ll enable the partner repo.
Thanks Mark -its been fun but tiring and i m about to be lynched so i ll have to switch off --i assume i ll be ok to keep rebooting from the usb for a while ? - i ll have a play around and post back to let you know how i got on .A keg of HSD is yours any time you are around the area .Thank you again —Rich
Yes you’re fine to keep booting to the USB stick.
Come back when you’ve decided what you want to do next, and I’ll be happy to help 
and I may just take you up on that… I’m in Cornwall myself
many thanks again -now i have to watch x factor -does this hell never end -ha
You’re welcome, and “god help you” with the X-Factor thing