Q: Will a clean USB install touch the 2nd hard drive of a mac mini server?
I have a late 2012 mac mini server (16gb) with two integral factory drives.
The second drive contained only virtualbox images for playing w/windows.
I have updated Everything on Yosemite to be current as of today, rebooted, then turned on TimeCapsule.
I then directed TimeCapsule to use the second hard drive and allowed it to complete the 260gb+ backup.
I want to do a totally clean install of El Capitan via USB- and am about to follow the directions to a T.
I have a question before I start. WILL the USB Clean Install method touch or alter the second hard drive?
I do not want to open the aluminium case of my macminiserver/muffinwarmer to be assured it wont erase the second drive.
After installing El Capitan, will I be able to use time capsule to recover the added programs, user logins, photos, iTunes library and playlists, and other data from the added programs in a single simple step?
I bought this to be stable and reliable. So far, so good. I need expert help only occasionally and this is one of those times.
If i DO need to temporarily remove the 2nd drive, id like merely to a disconnect power or data or both cables instead of removing it entirely.
I have the server mounted on an suspended and damped earthquake proof fixture located far from any known faults "just because".
It's powered by a UPS powered by sled dogs and a lead cat.
Mac mini, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), Clean USB methond Upgrade Capitan
Posted on Apr 21, 2016 7:44 PM