I've decided to install a SSD in my MacBook (optical drive doesn't work, and I want the performance improvement). How do I format the SSD (preferably by migration)?
MacBook, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)
I don't have Carbon Copy cloner - can't I just use Disk Utility?
You could get a free working version (not full, I suspect)
that could do the job from the maker's site...
•Carbon Copy Cloner - Bombich software:
Also, there are instructions including youtube video on
how to install SSD and HDD on the OWC (macsales.com)
web site that will work, free, regardless of what SSD.
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/
PS: yes, you could use Disk Utility.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
edited
Youtube has been down today for me - and Disk Utility is giving me an error ('busy'). I have the SSD connected externally (I've done this before with internal drives, so I'm not certain what's going on).
How do I format the SSD (preferably by migration)?
Formatting and migration are two different processes.
1. You have to format the new drive using Disk Utility.
Directions here: http://pondini.org/OSX/DU1.html
2. After the drive is formatted, you move (migrate) data to it. There are different ways to do this. K. Shaffer has already pointed you to Carbon Copy Cloner. It's free.
I realize the difference. Disk Utility is reports an error ('An error occured whle copying (-119, 930, 878) Resource busy.) when I atempt to format the SSD.
Please describe what you attempted with DU. Did you select Erase or Partition?
I restarted in 'Restore' mode - the only Disk Utility options are 'First Aid' 'Erase' Restore'. I attempted to erase the new SSD.
MacBook - SSD installation how-to
