How to format SSD for MacbookPro?

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How to format SSD for MacbookPro?

Hey guys,

I recently just put this SSD in my mid 2012 macbook pro http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=77394 89&tab=7&SRCCODE=WEBLET101SATSFY&cm_mmc=Email-_-WebletMain-_-WEBLET101SATSFY-_-S atisfy&utm_source=EML&utm_medium=main&utm_campaign=WEBLET101SATSFY

I already have put it in the optical drive bay. Now it is not a mac SSD so i believe i will need to format it is some way to make it work in my macbook pro. I have already used disk utility to format it to Mac Os extended (Journaled). Is this all i need to do? I would also like to boot from this SSD and put all my important apps on it. Also how should i move files over to the SSD including the operating system?

I have also heard that the new mavericks does not work with most SSD's is this true? i am currently on mavericks right now but i would be willing to go back to mountain lion if i had to. Thanks for the help everyone!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Nov 16, 2013 10:53 AM

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Answer 1

LowLuster

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Nov 16, 2013 11:00 AM in response to NormDoow

You format it with Disk Utility. But I would put it in the main bay and you standard drive in the optical bay.

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Answer 2

NormDoow Author

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Nov 16, 2013 11:05 AM in response to LowLuster

After I formatted The SSD to Mac Os extended (Journaled) I tried to, install mac osx to it, but it kept failing. So im wondering if there is another thing I need to format it with. what do you think?

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Answer 3

LowLuster

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Nov 16, 2013 11:08 AM in response to NormDoow

You need to move the fastest drive to the Main Bay. The optical bay has a hard time dealing with fast drives and especially SSDs.

And make sure the partition Table is set to GUID. That is done in Disk Utility, partition tab under the Options button.

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Answer 4

NormDoow Author

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Nov 16, 2013 11:12 AM in response to LowLuster

So what would you use to copy my apps to the SSD when i am ready to?

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Answer 5

LowLuster

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Nov 16, 2013 11:15 AM in response to NormDoow

If you are doing a fresh install of OS X on the SSD, which you should, you can use the setup assistant system when your Mac first reboots to the new install of OS X to copy all you files, including user accounts, settings and app over from your original standard hard drive that you put in the optical bay.

The you can use disk utility again to erase the origina drive or leave it as a backup boot source just in case.

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Answer 6

NormDoow Author

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Nov 16, 2013 11:29 AM in response to LowLuster

Alright thanks. I think that covers everything!

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Answer 7

LowLuster

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Nov 16, 2013 1:50 PM in response to NormDoow

You're welcome

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Answer 8

NormDoow Author

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Dec 14, 2013 12:20 PM in response to LowLuster

So i have put the SSD in the main HD Bay and put the HD in the optical bay. i then booted up to recovery to do a fresh install of OSX on the SSD. everything is shown there in Disk Utilities which is good. but when i go to install OSX Maverics on the SSD it says that the computer's eligibility will be verified with Apple and after i hit continue, it says, "An error occurred while preparing the insatallation. Try running this application again." So i have tried running it again and gotten the same result everytime. What is wrong? thanks for the help.

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Answer 9

LowLuster

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Dec 14, 2013 12:25 PM in response to NormDoow

Boot to the Online system. Hold down the Command + Option/Alt + r keys at startup and keep them held down until your see a globe on the screen. From the screen that loads use Disk Utility to Repartition the SSD as One Partition and in the Mac format and with a partition table of GUID, that is under the Options button.

Then once that is all done try installing OS X on the SSD.

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Answer 10

NormDoow Author

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Dec 14, 2013 9:01 PM in response to LowLuster

alright i am trying that now. good things is i can still boot to my original HD from the optical bay. How do i repartition it? i have already made a partition with the extended journaled one. and GUID. Also i was wondering, do i have to do internet recovery since my other HD works?

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Answer 11

NormDoow Author

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Dec 14, 2013 11:06 PM in response to LowLuster

That worked! i did everything as you said installed OSX and am now booting from my SSD. i did run into a problem where it would not accept my password but i figured out how to reset it. my one question is... do you know if there is a way that i can put my files from My old HD (like documents, pictures, movies,) in those same areas when i open up the finder without them being on the SSD, or will i always have to go to my Original HD in finder then users then find my files there? Thanks a bunch!

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Answer 12

Dec 14, 2013 11:30 PM in response to NormDoow

Japamac's Blog: Make space for performance -- Moving the Home Folder

http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-move-the-home-folder-in-os-x-and-why/

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Answer 13

NormDoow Author

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Dec 28, 2013 12:41 AM in response to LowLuster

You have helped me out a ton with my SSD problem but now i am having problems trying to put bootcamp on to my macbook pro, i get the black screen with a curser everytime it trys to install windows. i made a post here in the bootcamp disscusions https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5715855 I would appreciate the help. Thanks!

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