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User profile for user: LouisB1978
LouisB1978 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Running Catalina Need to Dual Boot to Yosemite

I'm currently running the latest version of Catalina. I recently bought a piece of equipment that the software is last compatible with Yosemite. I know you can use dual boot but I'm having a hard time figuring it all out. can someone give me directions on how to do this? I know the drive system is different. HFS+ for Yosemite and APFS for Catalina I think. Not sure how to create the bootable disk for Yosemite and not loose my stuff on my MacBook Pro. Erasing my HD is not an option. I have a 2TB external Drive that I can format and boot from or I have room on my internal 1TB drive to make a drive for Yosemite too.

I need to get this figured out before the weekend is done. I have work to complete.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 11, 2020 12:30 PM

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
60,416 points

Posted on Dec 11, 2020 7:47 PM

I don't recommend splitting partitions on your main boot drive. It is risky and people always choose the wrong sizes for their partitions. I suggest installing Yosemite to an external USB3 drive. You can find the instructions for downloading Yosemite in this Apple article (read it carefully as there are a few steps in order to extract the installer to the Applications folder).

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683


Then use the instructions in this Apple article to guide you in creating a bootable macOS USB installer. Follow the instructions to create a bootable El Capitan USB installer and modify the instructions to reference the Yosemite installer app name.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372


Keep in mind that when you boot into Yosemite, that you won't be able to select the Catalina drive in the Startup Disk System Preferences. So I recommend you just make configure the Startup Disk System Preferences within Catalina to boot the Catalina volume. Then just Option Boot to boot to your El Capitan drive.


Make sure to have a good backup before attempting to install El Capitan. You should always have frequent and regular backups. Please don't install El Capitan to your external backup drive as it puts your backups in jeopardy.

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
60,416 points

Dec 11, 2020 7:47 PM in response to LouisB1978

I don't recommend splitting partitions on your main boot drive. It is risky and people always choose the wrong sizes for their partitions. I suggest installing Yosemite to an external USB3 drive. You can find the instructions for downloading Yosemite in this Apple article (read it carefully as there are a few steps in order to extract the installer to the Applications folder).

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683


Then use the instructions in this Apple article to guide you in creating a bootable macOS USB installer. Follow the instructions to create a bootable El Capitan USB installer and modify the instructions to reference the Yosemite installer app name.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372


Keep in mind that when you boot into Yosemite, that you won't be able to select the Catalina drive in the Startup Disk System Preferences. So I recommend you just make configure the Startup Disk System Preferences within Catalina to boot the Catalina volume. Then just Option Boot to boot to your El Capitan drive.


Make sure to have a good backup before attempting to install El Capitan. You should always have frequent and regular backups. Please don't install El Capitan to your external backup drive as it puts your backups in jeopardy.

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Running Catalina Need to Dual Boot to Yosemite

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