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SSD external HD set as boot drive but desktop still the internal HD

I have a late 2013 iMac running Mojave with 8 GB and 1 terabyte internal hard drive. I used Carbon Copy to clone my internal HD on to a Toshiba SSD.

I then went though the process to make the external SSD my boot drive. According to systems preferences it is the boot drive. However the desktop displayed is the one from the internal drive. How do I make the desktop on the external SSD be the one displayed?

Earlier displays & monitors

Posted on Nov 21, 2023 10:49 AM

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den.thed

Level 10

92,560 points

Posted on Nov 21, 2023 5:06 PM

Restart holding the Option (Alt) key and select the external SSD drive in the Startup Manager.

see > Change your Mac startup disk - Apple Support

If you only see the internal drive, then you did not make a properly external startup drive.

see > Use an external SSD as your startup disk … - Apple Community

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24 replies

ric_e Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 23, 2023 3:19 PM in response to den.thed

I actually deleted the data on the internal drive, but the computer still only boots from the external drive using the option key and start up manager.

I’m missing something and I can’t figure out what it is.

ric_e Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 25, 2023 6:10 AM in response to den.thed

I ran Disk Doctor on the external SSD. No issues, but still will not boot automatically to that drive. I have shown my wife the Option Key method to boot the external SSD.

I think we are going to live with that method.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

ric_e Author

Level 1

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Nov 21, 2023 11:26 AM in response to den.thed

Can you tell me please, what I have to change?

ric_e Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 22, 2023 4:23 AM in response to den.thed

I do use Time Machine to backup to another external hard drive but I am hesitant to erase the internal drive. Sounds like I don’t have much choice in the matter.

ric_e Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 22, 2023 7:52 PM in response to den.thed

I have no problem using the Option key method, but my wife is the principal user of the iMac and she is not comfortable with this solution. So I am looking for a way to keep her happy.

ric_e Author

Level 1

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Nov 23, 2023 8:08 AM in response to den.thed

A weird anomaly, when I start in Safe Mode, it starts with the external drive.

ric_e Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 23, 2023 9:20 AM in response to den.thed

No after restart it went back to the internal HD. Grrr.

I’m going to start looking for hidden apps that are running on startup.

ric_e Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 23, 2023 4:34 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks.

I will give that a try tomorrow and let you know how I do.

Brain is fried tonight.

I do appreciate your help!

den.thed

Level 10

92,560 points

Nov 23, 2023 4:46 PM in response to ric_e

You're welcome.

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SSD external HD set as boot drive but desktop still the internal HD