OS X on new iMac HDD

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Level 1

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OS X on new iMac HDD

I am taking my iMac to a local non-Apple shop to replace the HDD. I am guessing it will not have a system on it. I have a time machine backup, however the new HDD will be 2TB instead of 3 because the iMac will be given to my wife. She has her own time machine backup but it is for her old and dead 2008 iMac.

So I am just wondering: can we simply connect her Time Machine backup to an iMac with a completely empty HDD or do we need to install a system first? And if so, how?

Cheers

Waddo

Posted on Sep 1, 2019 5:31 PM

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Answer 1

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macjack

Level 10

111,204 points

Sep 1, 2019 5:47 PM in response to keefwaddo

If the shop that replaces the hard drive does not install a system, the first time you boot it should boot into Internet Recovery which will install Mac OS. Then it will boot into SetUp Assistant and after a few screens will prompt you to Migrate. Connect her TM drive and follow the instructions.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350

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