Backing up files on my PowerBook G4

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Backing up files on my PowerBook G4

Should I get an external hard drive or large capacity flash drive to back up data from my aged Powerbook G4 before it dies?

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Mar 12, 2012 8:18 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Texas Mac Man

Level 8

46,839 points

Mar 13, 2012 6:00 AM in response to Denise7472

If strictly for file backup, either would work. However, it's best to get an external Firewire connected hard drive to use as a backup of your entire PB HD. Then, if you have problems on your PB, you can boot using the external HD. Older Macs can't boot from USB connected drives.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 2

Denise7472 Author

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Mar 13, 2012 7:06 AM in response to Texas Mac Man

Thanks!! I will be venturing out to BestBuy AGAIN!!! I bought Free Agent GoFlex 500 External Hard Drive and found out that my PB could not boot from the USB drive. UUGH!! Since my PB is older it has been one thing after another. I will be purchasing a new MacBook Pro soon! Thanks again. 🙂

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Answer 3

Denise7472 Author

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Mar 13, 2012 7:14 AM in response to Denise7472

Can I keep the GoFlex 500 and add a USB A to 5 Pin Mini B Cable- Auxillary USB "Y" Power Design for external hard drives or just return it and buy the FireWire connected HD?

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Answer 4

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,984 points

Mar 13, 2012 9:24 AM in response to Denise7472

Denise,

You wrote:

Thanks!! I will be venturing out to BestBuy AGAIN!!

Please read this thread:

IMAC 21.5 purchased at Best Buy

before venturing out. It is but one of a number o threads around here reporting trouble with getting Apple warranty coverage with Macs bought through Best Buy. That leaves you only Geek Squad support--that's the junior varsity. There are too many unresolved gray issues for me to lay down money for a Mac from them. I like their store and buy other stuff there, but I get my Macs directly from Apple.

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Answer 5

Denise7472 Author

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Mar 13, 2012 1:19 PM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks!! I was actually venturing out to buy either a new external hd or a flash drive. However, this information is very helpful as I was contemplating BestBuy for my next Mac because I thought the warranty with BB was supposed to be a good deal. You are right Mac's cost too much to have gray issues when it comes to warranty. Thanks again!! 🙂

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Answer 6

dalstott

Level 4

2,639 points

Mar 17, 2012 1:46 PM in response to Denise7472

If you are going to buy a new MacBook Pro then the USB drive will work as a bootable backup.

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Answer 7

greg h

Level 2

344 points

Mar 17, 2012 3:47 PM in response to dalstott

I'd second that call to buy from apple, especially since you won't save any money going to BB.

Also, I have a WD 2TB external that is firewire and it is not bootable, however my 750 gb Lacie is bootable. I'm not sure why this is the case. Maybe because the WD is being used as a 1TB mirrored raid?

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