disc repair w/out original startup disc?

I just like analogies.

To the OP, ... look into getting a HD and the kind people here will help you install it, or you can have Apple do same for you. 😍

macbooktj wrote:

who's pondini?

He was the author of the definitive Time Machine web site 'Pondini.Org'. He recently died.

ok... will running time machine do anything for me? isn't my hd backed up to my ext. drive when i use time machine to do a backup?

If Time Machine completed a backup without error, it does constitute a back up of your HDD.

sorry if these questions are too mundane!!

Your questions are legitimate. No apologies are necessary.

Ciao

He recently died.

OGELTHORPE,

I wasn't aware of that... need to be hanging out around the WC more I suppose.

Here's hoping that someone will preserve and carry on his work - I don't know how many times I've recommended that folks view one of Mr. Pond's pages.

Clinton

Clinton, do go to the WC. There is a discussion. 😟

Ciao.

youll need a replacement HD

After getting same, you can come back here and talk about installing same and using Time Machine to restore your entire Time Machine HD contents back onto the new HD.

You cant use Time machine like an external HD (even though thats what it is mechanically),...

Time Machine is a bundle of files, .....its designed for backup and RESTORING from a crash

.....its not designed to be used AS an external HD clone thats bootable into your desktop screen. 😊

Time Machine is kind of like a big spool of wire (data),....but you cant use that "wire" until you can "unspool" it onto a replacement internal HD.

macbooktj wrote:

so, with a new HD 'on' the computer, everything put onto the external drive will fit back (unspooled) onto the new HD like it's a clean slate, right?

You will have to install a new HDD in your MBP and install the OS. Then you can transfer data from the external Time Machine HDD to your MBP. You may use these directions:

http://pondini.org/OSX/Setup.html

should i wait until i get back to the usa to do this? while i could probably 'splain it to the Apple Store guys here in Beijing, i'd rather wait...

That is entirely your decision.

Ciao.

You will find more favorable prices at Amazon, Newegg and the like than the Apple store. Additional savings will be realized by installing it yourself and eliminating the labor charge.

Ciao.

Disk utility states I need to start up from OS X disc. I do not have this disk. I also have snow leopard version 10.6.8. So how do I get a copy of this disc to effect repairs? can I download from apple and burn it to a disc?

Duplicate original installation disks can be ordered from Apple Customer Service. Give them a call and have your MBP serial number ready. There is a charge.

Ciao.