Ok!
So, here's my help in solbing you're situation!
Before I start, here's a few things you need to know:
a) You don't need to install 10.5 first! If you have a DVD with 10.6, just install that version! The 10.6 is a full bootable instllation DVD, that has everything that 10.5 has, plus the 10.6 update!
b) If you have a OS installed on your external HDD, you shoul create a partition and use it has a Time Machine backup. That way, you'll avoid mixing all you're files with anything you may have on the HDD!
If you need help explaining how to change the HDD just let me know. Tell me waht is the Macbook Pro version you have, and I'll post links to websites of professional who have it on video or simply step-by-step photos!
Now, here's what you need to do (once again, I have lot's of experience in doing this, so just pay attention to all the stuff I'm going to write, okey?)
1. Back-up all you files (personal documents, e-mail, etc. ...). If you use a Time Capsule, don't worry: it will bak up EVERYTHING on you're Mac, including the OS X!
2. If the new HDD is completely new (is it the 750 GB?), you have to format first and only then, you'll be able to install the OS X and then back it up with your Time Machine!
To format just do this:
2.1. Insert the OS X DVD you wich to install;
2.2. Once the content of the DVD loads, go to you're Apple Menu and select "Restart";
2.3. Once you select that option, press and hold! the "C" key, on you're keyboard. You're MAC will boot from the DVD;
2.4. Once you access the DVD content, first select you're languague.
2.5. On the Menu on the top of the screen, please select "Disk Utility";
2.6. Click on te icon for you're HDD;
2.7. Select "Erase";
2.8. In "Format", choose "Mac OS X Extended Journaled (the only option that will allow you to install the OS X);
2.9. Give a name to you're HDD (normally being "Macintosh HD", but you can write whatever you what);
2.10. In "Security Options", choose "Zero Out Data";
2.11. On the button next to "Security Options", choose "GUID";
2.12. Start the erasing process! It will take a few minutes (around 45 minutes, more or less).
NOTE: I'm assuming you don't wich to create a partition!
3. Once the format is done, close "Disk Utility". Then start the installation process of the OS X! Once it's over, you're MAC will restart.
4. Then whait a few moments and you'll what the 10.6 intro movie.
5. Just do the stardart stuff (you're name, the pass for you wi-fi connection, etc. ...)
6. Once you access the OS X, you may install any other utilitis the 10.6 has (like "Rosetta" and "Quick Time 7").
7. Then you may install iLife and any other software you'd like.
8. If you prefer, you may forget the Step 7, and just activate you're Time Machine back up. For that, insert you're OS X DVD.
9. Click on the Installation icon. Then, once the window opens, click on the buttom that says "Utilities";
10. Select "Restore System from Backup";
11. Then select the Time Machine volume (don't forget to have you're external HDD conected to you're Mac);
12. Follow all the intuitive instructions that you're screen will show.
VOILA!!!! You'll have everything done. Doing all of this will take an average amount of time (I think that not much more that 2/3 hours). It will be worthy!
If you have any more question feel free to contact me! Sorry for the late post, but we have a hourly spindle.
Good luck, stay calm, and remenber: anything you do won't damage you're HDD! If anything doesn't wrok is probabli a software issue!
Just shout if you need my help!
King regards!
