Boot from Original Drive on USB

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Level 1

6 points

Boot from Original Drive on USB

I'm working on upgrading a Mac Mini (Late 2014) from Sierra to Monterey and installing an SSD. However, didn't Export the Contacts and a few other things like I should have.

I have the Monterey running (much faster!!!) but I was wondering if there was a way to boot from the original SATA Disk Drive (in a USB I/F) so that I can export the data that I need. I don't really want to remove the new SSD and re-install the old HD.

NOTE: I did backup everything, but often, it's difficult to get the data such as Contacts, etc. from the backup.

I tried booting while holding the Option key, but I just got to the apple icon, it never started.

Encelodus

Posted on Mar 12, 2024 7:39 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 13, 2024 12:39 AM in response to Encelodus

If the original SATA HDD is still OK, and the SATA-to-USB adapter or enclosure supports booting (AFAIK most do?), THEN option-boot should present the original SATA HDD as an option.

Did you connect the original drive directly to the Mac's USB port? No hubs? Small 2.5" HDDs should not usually need an external power supply.

Contacts should sync via iCloud, if the original HDD was set so.

Can you mount the old SATA HDD and copy files from there?

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Answer 2

elyk233

Level 1

129 points

Mar 12, 2024 7:47 PM in response to Encelodus

You should be able to choose the startup disk in system preferences. If the disk is showing there, you should be able to reboot into that disk.

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Answer 3

Encelodus Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 13, 2024 12:16 PM in response to elyk233

I finally gave up. I kept getting errors and got tired of looking them up.

I reloaded the original HD in the Mini & exported the data that I needed, and re-placed the old HD with the new SSD. It didn't take near as long to do it the second & third time, as it did when I originally replaced the drive.

Thanks anyway.

Encelodus

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Boot from Original Drive on USB

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