File migration from Ubuntu to the next Fedora distro

[parody]

I've had a hardware failure and I want to set my system up so it's ready for the next Fedora version. I lost the old Fedora 16 CD so the only Amahi distro I can install is Ubuntu 12.01. My aim is to have all my files installed on a different partition/drive so I can do a fresh install of Fedora 17 and my files will be automatically added.

I have two formatted drives (1TB and 2TB) with over 1.5TB of data backed up on an external HDD. I was thinking of having a small partition for my OS and the rest combined with the other drive to hold all my data.

Should I use RAID, Greyhole or something else?

What installation steps should I do so in the future I can format the Ubuntu partition, install Fedora 17 and the files can be easily added?

[sgtfoo]

for preservation of your stored shared file, I would suggest....

1) offload/copy all of your shares to an external drive or to another separate (unpooled) drive to hold while you reconfigure your system

2) Deciding on which storage method to use it entirely up to you.
(feel free asking/ searching the forums about it though)

3) Once the system is reconfigured as you want it, unload the drive back to your shares via a client, or locally mounted shares.... that way your storage method can re-allocate your files safely.