AMDeeb
Level 1 (11 points)

Q: Fresh Install Myth

Hello,

 

I haven't done a clean install for OSX to my main machine since I got my first Mac in 2010. I felt that OSX handles upgrades queit well, and that repairing disk permissions does that job. However, I keep seeing posts that it is recommends to doing a fresh install for every new version of OSX.

 

I have been using Time Machine for backups since I got my first Mac, and when I face any problem, I restore from it. When I got my second Mac, I even transferred all my content via Ethernet cable from my first Mac, instead of manually copying them to an external hard disk.

 

Is it REALLY better to do a fresh install? and after doing so (erasing the OSX pertion, instating OSX from USB drive or recovery utility), do I have to manually copy my files from an external hard drive and put them in their location in Finder? or even if I do a fresh install and then restore from Time Machine (using Migration Assistant), I will feel the difference?

 

It wont be big issue if I was doing a fresh install to an OSX like Snow Leopard, but now there are many apps that like iPhoto and iBooks that put content in Finder that are not easily visible/accessible, so it will be difficult to guarantee a smooth manual restore after a fresh install, and the time it takes to redownload the apps and emails.

 

 

AMDeeb

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9), (9,2) 2.9GHz i7, 8GB, 480GB SSD

Posted on Oct 31, 2013 12:54 AM

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AMDeeb

Q: Fresh Install Myth

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  • by nbar,

    nbar nbar Oct 31, 2013 1:02 AM in response to AMDeeb
    Level 5 (6,980 points)
    Oct 31, 2013 1:02 AM in response to AMDeeb

    Is it REALLY better to do a fresh install?

     

    Not unless you are experiencing issues that would require one to do so. Wiping your drive completely and subsequently installing OSX in not necessary. In short, no.

     

    even if I do a fresh install and then restore from Time Machine (using Migration Assistant), I will feel the difference?

    You would restore via setup assistant. Restoring via migration assistant after wiping your drive can be troublesome.

     

    What is the issue you are experiencing that makes you feel a fresh install is necessary?

  • by AMDeeb,

    AMDeeb AMDeeb Oct 31, 2013 2:11 AM in response to nbar
    Level 1 (11 points)
    Oct 31, 2013 2:11 AM in response to nbar

    nbar wrote:

     

    Is it REALLY better to do a fresh install?

     

    Not unless you are experiencing issues that would require one to do so. Wiping your drive completely and subsequently installing OSX in not necessary. In short, no.

     

    even if I do a fresh install and then restore from Time Machine (using Migration Assistant), I will feel the difference?

    You would restore via setup assistant. Restoring via migration assistant after wiping your drive can be troublesome.

     

    What is the issue you are experiencing that makes you feel a fresh install is necessary?

    No major issues, but I am experiencing some slow UI animations and weird text placed, like this:

     

    Screen Shot 2013-10-31 at 11.06.36.jpg