Ian999
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Getting ready for macOS ?

I know that I am jumping the gun, but better early than late.

I have a mid-2012 MBA, which I am happy with and will be keeping for a while, until there is a significant improvement in the Airs (or whatever comes next). My question is, what do I need to do to ready this computer for macOS?


I ask this as my Air has been through several os upgrades, but I have never done a clean install. After four years of use the computer is running a little slower, more pizza wheels, a few more 'funny' things. This time I would like to do a complete reinstall, not only the os, but everything else that can be reset. I am thinking of the pram and the other such settings.

 

Any advice on this course of action?

MacBook Air, OS X El Capitan (10.11)

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 10:24 PM

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Ian999

Q: Getting ready for macOS ?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Aug 30, 2016 10:30 PM in response to Ian999
    Level 10 (270,032 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 30, 2016 10:30 PM in response to Ian999

    Basic Steps for Upgrading OS X

    Basic Steps to Follow for a Clean Install of OS X Lion and Later

    Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM

    Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)


    Install El Capitan from Scratch

     

         Backup if possible before continuing.

     

    1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo appears. When the Utility Menu appears:
    2. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on Continue button.
    3. When Disk Utility loads select the volume (indented entry, usually Macintosh HD) from the Device list.
    4. Click on the Erase icon in Disk Utility's main window. A panel will drop down.
    5. Set the Format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
    6. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.
    7. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
    8. Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Aug 31, 2016 1:14 AM in response to Ian999
    Level 10 (105,274 points)
    iLife
    Aug 31, 2016 1:14 AM in response to Ian999

    Some more things to check before upgrading to macOS Sierra:

    • Check the compatibility of all applications and device drivers you are using. It would be a bad surprise to discover, that your printer or scanner, or any expensive third-party applications are not compatible and no updates available.
    • Since you want to make a clean install, check if you have installers for all your applications. Test, if the installers are still working. There might be unpleasant surprises like DVDs, that can no longer be read, expired certificates, or even older installers trying to call PowerPC code (for example one of the GarageBand JamPacks is needing Rosetta to install).
    • Make a full backup of your Mac, better two backups, and test the backups before you make the clean install.