Can I "clean install" OSX on a different partition of the same HDD?

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Can I "clean install" OSX on a different partition of the same HDD?

Hi, my MacBook Pro needs a clean install, I've trasfered all my data with TimeMachine on 4 different computers, but this time I want to do a clean install.

I don't have time move everything at once and I need to use the current configuration daily for work.

Can I split the main HDD in two partition, clean install OSX in a new partition and chose each time with wich partition I boot the system?

The idea is to transfer information little by little.

Macbook Pro late 2011 with OSX 10.8.3

16 GB RAM

1 HDD 320GB

OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Mar 28, 2013 12:57 PM

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Answer 1

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mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Mar 28, 2013 12:59 PM in response to pietrociao

Of course. After installing OS X in the new volume, your computer will start by default in that volume. If you want to start in the other volume, just hold the Option (Alt) key while your computer is starting, and choose the other volume

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Answer 2

pietrociao Author

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Mar 28, 2013 1:30 PM in response to mende1

Thank you, they told me it could cause some problems.. is there any reason I might experience some problem by doing that? Will I be able to transfer files from the two partitions without problems?

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Answer 3

mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Mar 28, 2013 1:33 PM in response to pietrociao

You won't have any problem doing that, so don't worry. Apart from that, you will be able to transfer files between the two volumes because both volumes use the same filesystem, being able to transfer files between them without any problem

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Answer 4

pietrociao Author

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Mar 28, 2013 1:35 PM in response to mende1

Thank you mende1,

another question, as I transfer files, will I be able to increase the size of the new partition and shrink the old one?

The idea is to transfer little by little and once everything works perfectly I'd erease the old partition.

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Answer 5

mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Mar 28, 2013 1:40 PM in response to pietrociao

I recommend you to give the definitive size you think you will need to both partitions.

An example: you have created the second volume, and you have also the first volume. If you want to resize the first volume and reduce its size to add the space to the second partition, you will have problems because Disk Utility won't allow you to add it. That's why you should give to each volume the definitive size

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Answer 6

pietrociao Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 28, 2013 1:43 PM in response to mende1

Thanks again, what if once erything works well in the second partition I delete the first one? Would that expand the new partition to the entire HDD space available?

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