Q: new image of macintosh on disk utility for back up
I bought a "WD My passport For Mac 1TB" since I can't get into my macbook pro mid 2012 10.9 because when I turn it on its just grey screen with apple logo and spinning wheel. I went to future shop to the geek squad and they did diagnose of it that is wasn't the hard drive but the operating system with problem. Which makes sense since I did the apple hardware test, disk repair/verfy, permissions repair/verify and they all came back with saying my volume is ok etc.
I did the NVRAM (or whatever its called) I was able to get in but but nothing on my macbook is working. Like my apps won't open for instance disk utlity won't open, my trash won't empty it keeps saying error -50, my itunes won't open and says error 13014, I tried to update my software but I can't since app store isnt working. I tried to update from terminal with sudo softwareupdate --list (to find what software i need to update) but it then it says NSURLErrorDomain error -1012 and I always have to force shut it down and then I can't get back in, I did the safe mode but the bar only goes halfway and then disappers and only the grey screen with apple logo and spinning wheel is there. I also did the reinstall of mavericks OS X and was able to get in but again I had to force shut it down because I couldn't shut it down or restart and the problems above were still there and i am always keeped out once I do that.
SO my question is to back up my files etc. I do the command + r and go to disk ulitiy and click on "Macintosh HD" and then click "New Image" and then select "My Passport for Mac" to save on there. What I want to know should I put "compressed", "read/write", "read only" or "DVD/CD master" for Image Format? AND For encrytion, do i pick "128-bit AES encryption (recommended)" or "256-bit AES encryption (more secure, but slower)"?
Also I have one more option before I go to my genius appointment on saturday is to do the "erase and reinstall" option. Of course I need to back up my files to do that which is why I am asking the questions above. Can any one link me to the "erase and reinstall" option OR tell me your experience on how to do it OR how to do in overall? Also, is it an effective method? I already have the important files on my google drive, have my microsoft disk stuff on my USB, the only app I kind of don't want to lose is my "Notes" app. Also for the apps I downloaded in Apple store they should be still there even if I erase my hard drive?
This problem started on december 31st in the morning btw.
MacBook Pro, version 10.9 OX X Mavericks
Posted on Jan 2, 2015 10:53 AM