Best way to reformat

Hi TT & welcome to discussions...

If you intend to use an Intel processor and Snow Leopard, you first need to make sure to use a GUID primary partition map.

Then erase & use Mac OS Extended (I prefer journaled as well).

Not 'case sensitive'...

I would start by bootably cloning my internal volume to an external drive. The clone's purposes are to be a backup for the data on your computer, to provide a migration medium after your erase and install, and to play the role of fail-safe device.

Proceed as follows in doing your erase and install:

1. Start up from your Sno install DVD by holding down c when starting up.
2. Choose your language and use the menus at the top of the next screen to start Disk Utility. Use Disk Utility to erase your drive Mac extended. Quit Disk Utility, and continue your installation.
3. At the end of your install, restore your data files, settings, apps, and users from your clone.
4. Use the optional install folder on your Sno DVD to install any items you think you will need. If you want to use any PPC apps, then install Rosetta. And, most install QT7.
5. Repair permissions when you have completed all installations.

Clone with Disk Utility (DU) unless you plan to do a great deal more cloing in the future.

1. Start DU;
2. Make sure you external drive is partitioned GUID;
3. Choose Restore;
4. Drag your internal volume to the source box;
5. Drag your external partition to the destination box;
6. Choose Erase Destination; and
7. Click restore.

It will take an hour more or less. Once the clone is made, start up from it to make sure it is functional.

TheTosh wrote:
Thanks very much.

You are very welcome.

Few more questions.
Should the External be Case Sensitive?

Are you equating case sensitive and journaled. I don't know anything about "case sensitive." If you are equating as I indicated, then no drive has to be journaled.

How do I put the data back on to my internal?

See step 3 in my first longish post.

"3. At the end of your install, restore {or migrate} your data files, settings, apps, and users from your clone." This opportunity will be given to you when you enter the set up assistant. You would chose to migrate from another OS X installation (or some such wording) to migrate you apps, data, settings, and users from the clone.

Thanks so very much again,

I am very glad I could help.

!http://homepage.mac.com/donv1/.Pictures/Vista/HapFceAni3gif.gif!

Now that you mention it that way I do recall the distinction. You should have formatted journaled, not case sensitive journaled.

I see. But, I don't understand. That has never happened to me, as I recall. But, still it is OK for you clone to be case sensitive journaled.

You are way welcome. Whatever, let me know how it all turns out. Apparently, you will only have to make sure that you erase your internal drive extended (journaled) or just extended and stay away from extended (case-sensitive journaled).