HT3910: Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard: How to Erase and Install

Learn about Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard: How to Erase and Install
DavPollack

Q: Do I need to erase my Hard Drive to reinstall my OS for Snow Leopard?

I have an iMac using snow leopard OS? Need to reinstall the OS. Do I need to erase my Hard Drive to do this?

iMac (21.5-inch Late 2009), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Oct 19, 2012 6:41 AM

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Q: Do I need to erase my Hard Drive to reinstall my OS for Snow Leopard?

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  • by varjak paw,

    varjak paw varjak paw Oct 19, 2012 7:47 AM in response to DavPollack
    Level 10 (169,883 points)
    Oct 19, 2012 7:47 AM in response to DavPollack

    No, you can install Snow Leopard over the top of an existing installation. Depending on why you feel you need to reinstall, though, erasing the disk may be wise or even necessary (as is often the case if disk errors are reported).

     

    Regards.

  • by ds store,

    ds store ds store Oct 19, 2012 2:36 PM in response to DavPollack
    Level 7 (30,395 points)
    Oct 19, 2012 2:36 PM in response to DavPollack

    DavPollack wrote:

     

    I have an iMac using snow leopard OS

     

    Need to reinstall the OS.

     

    Do I need to erase my Hard Drive to do this?

     

    OS X Snow Leopard it can be installed over the present install and the problem with OS X (only) fixed, your files and programs won't be touched.

     

    However a few programs install special software into OS X, those softwares will need to be reinstalled.

     

     

    Run through this massive user self fix it list I made, #8 Reinstall Just OS X is one of the steps, but you should complete the previous ones in case you have a bigger issue.

     

    Step by Step to fix your Mac