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Macbook Upgrading Hard Drive Using Time Machine

I would like to upgrade my Macbook's hard drive to a larger hard drive. Will I be able to use Time Machine to fully reinstall all my files, applications, and settings to the new hard drive once it is install? If so, how do I go about doing this?

Also, is there a list of the best compatible hard drives for the MacBook? Any recommendations?

Dave

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Mar 17, 2008 9:55 AM

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4 replies

Mar 17, 2008 10:05 AM in response to davecua

Yes. After installing the new HD, you would install your preferred Mac OS on it, then you can use TM to recover your data. There's an easier way though. If you are willing to spend a bit more money, buy a drive case that can hold your new disk drive. Put the new disk drive in the case. Plug it into your MB and use Disk Utility or SuperDuper to clone the boot drive to the external drive. Then when you install the new disk drive in your MB, it will be ready to go right away. You can use your old disk drive in the new external case to back up files, or as extra primary disk storage.

Mar 17, 2008 10:18 AM in response to davecua

Dave,

Before removing the old hard drive, make one last backup using Time Machine. Replace the drive, then partially insert the Leopard install disk. Start the Macbook and immediately hold down the "C" key to boot to the install disk, while simultaneously (and gently) pushing it in until your Macbook accepts it.

Once booted to the install disk, choose a language and open Disk Utility from the "Utilities" menu. Use Disk Utility to format the new drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). You must have the drive selected, not the named volume that will appear indented underneath the drive, and you'll also need to leave the new volume named as "Untitled."

Quit Disk Utility to return to the installer, then go back to the "Utilities" menu. At the bottom, you will see an option to "Restore From a Time Machine Backup." Connect your Time Machine backup drive, then choose this option. Choose the backup you want to use, then choose the "Untitled" volume as a destination. You'll be back in business in no time.

Scott

Macbook Upgrading Hard Drive Using Time Machine

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