Reformat Mac OS will Vista be ok?

Hi Damballa,

reinstalling OS X does in no way affect your BootCamp Windows as long as you keep your hands off the Windows partition. 😉

Just rebbot your MP from the OSX Install DVD and, if needed, use Disk Utility (from the Top Menu - Utilities).
Although for an Erase & Install procedure you don't have to use DU, simply choose the option from the OSX installer and make sure to choose your 'old' OSX partition for destination.

Nonetheless when 'fumbling' with harddisks and partitions, it is always a good idea making a backup before.

Regards

Stefan

A. you can always pull your Vista drive.
B. Clone OS X to a new drive.
C. When you installed Vista, I always remove other drives so it doesn't "tag" them in any way.
D. Keep a separate drive for data, downloads, media files etc.
E. Keep your boot drive for OS X for just the OS and applications (maybe a small home account directory).

OS X makes it easy to have home account folder on another hard drive.

I almost never ever find need to reinstall OS X, I just use SuperDuper to clone the system as needed.

The actual process of erase/initialize is quick, and installing OS X takes 20 minutes or less though it depends on 3rd party applications and stuff how long it can take.

If you backup or copy/move your home folder, that can reduce the time to customize, import and have your old settings up and running.

Invest in some backup drives, internal and external, for SuperDuper (bootable), TimeMachine, and for Vista if you want to keep it backed up (or use WinClone if you don't need a real backup). 640GB WD Caviar goes for $76.

Hi,

I have 1 more quesiton. Since this is the first time Ive ever Reformatted a Mac...About how long does it take? I know with windows it takes close to a day to reformat and install all the dang updates and such. Is it a little bit quicker with a Mac?

Yeah it is quicker than that. Nonetheless you have to apply some updates after the initial installation (10.5.5 and at least the latest Security Update).

As The Hatter posted the real 'workload' can come with 3rd party applications 😉

Stefan