b0bsax

Q: Erase hard drive and rebuild with time machine

My MacBook Pro is insanely slow.
Can I erase it and then incrementally add the files I want from Time Machine

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2012), OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Sep 13, 2016 3:12 PM

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Q: Erase hard drive and rebuild with time machine

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  • by John Galt,Apple recommended

    John Galt John Galt Sep 13, 2016 4:41 PM in response to b0bsax
    Level 8 (49,171 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 13, 2016 4:41 PM in response to b0bsax

    Yes, and what you propose is often the solution to problems caused by system modifications that are either too great in number, or for which no reliable uninstallation procedure exists.

     

    Here are the general steps:

     


     

    • To create a backup first read Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac.
    • The recovery procedure will require that you erase the Mac using OS X Recovery, and then create a new User Account whose contents will be empty. You will then be able to use Setup Assistant to migrate your essential documents including photos, music, work products and other essential files.
    • To erase and install OS X read How to reinstall OS X on your Mac.
      • Follow the instructions in that document under Erase your drive and install OS X.
      • Then, follow the procedure in Move your content to a new Mac.
      • When asked how you want to transfer your information, select Transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
      • Under Select the Information to Transfer, select only your previous User account and do not select "Applications", "Computer and Network Settings" or "Other files and folders". De-select those choices.
    • Subsequent to using Setup Assistant, you will need to reinstall the essential software you may require, once again remembering to install software only from their original sources, and omitting all non-essential software.
    • "Non-essential software" is a broad category that includes but is not limited to third party "cleaning", "maintenance", and "anti-virus" products.
  • by b0bsax,

    b0bsax b0bsax Sep 13, 2016 4:44 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 13, 2016 4:44 PM in response to John Galt

    GREAT ! Thank you

    This looks all inclusive. Googling misses many steps.

    This will take a little time. I'll report back my progress and any difficulties I may encounter.