Help with clean reinstall.
I need to clean and install Big Sur again from scratch. I have two backups of my Macbook Air 2019 13" In the past I didn't know I needed ....I think it was my itunes id/pwd....I can't find any articles on what to do to prepare.
1) How do I wipe it clean?
2) Is it better to install from the internet, or to create a bootable thumb drive and install from that?
3) If I am installing from the internet, is it better to hard wire my mac to the router or use wifi?
4) Do I nee to write down anything other than thte following ids/pwds?
- Apple ID
- Laptop
- 1Password
- keychain
- Router
- Wifi
- Email IDs
5) Of course all the settings will be lost on the system and apps. I am going to try to make some screen grabs.
6) Any of the following apps bring up issues? Quicken, 1Password,. NordVPN, Zoom, Skype, Etrecheck, Malware Bytes, Magnet, Chrome, Firefox, Evernote, Discord, Brother P-Touch, Canon Printer, Android 'File xfer, Alfred., Microsoft Teams., Microsoft Todo, VLC.
7) I have 2 gmail and 1 outlook email accounts. Am I correct in they will all download when I set up mail again:
8) Messages will get populated again from Apple?
9) My iPhone XR is synched. Do I need to do anything there?
10) Other than a few valium, is there anything else I should or shouldn't do?
11)There are multiple sets of directions for doing this. What's best?
12) I connect to my Apple TV via my router...anything to do/consider?
13) Is there a way to make sure my backups are good before I start?
14) Process for reinstalling from Time Machine? Or should I ONLY reinstall documents from Time Machine?
(Hyperventillating.)
I
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.2