So corrupt I need to start over

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Level 1

89 points

So corrupt I need to start over

I upgrade to a new Mac every 2-3 years and each time used Migration assistant from the dawn of OSX, while paring down what I have installed at the same time. In the last year I've started getting Mail crashes and have for years, lost Address Book ( now Contacts) which is simply frozen.

Anyway the question is simple - if I create a NEW USER account can I get a mostly clean slate - OR - Do I have to install each program from scratch on a completely wiped, clean install?

I know HOW to do this - just asking if the new user account would help save me all the hassle of starting completely over?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6101?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9), 2012 iMac 3TB Fusion 32MB GTX 680MX

Posted on May 24, 2014 8:25 AM

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Answer 1

May 24, 2014 8:29 AM in response to igirl1

You might want to just to a reinstall of Mac OS X and see if that cleans up the problems before resorting to an erase and install. That will clean up the system files, then see if there are problem areas and clean up those settings.

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Answer 2

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 24, 2014 8:46 AM in response to igirl1

Time to do a clean install of the OSX, and install your applications by hand, after checking that they are Mavericks compatible. Then copy the data you want to have. MigrationAssistant may be whimsical.

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Answer 3

Eric Root

Level 10

684,039 points

May 24, 2014 1:22 PM in response to igirl1

Do a backup. Boot to the Recovery Volume (command - R on a restart or hold down the option key during a restart and select Recovery Volume). Run Disk Utility Verify/Repair and Repair Permissions until you get no errors. Erase your drive formatting it as OS Extended (Journaled). Then reinstall the OS.

OS X Recovery

OS X Recovery (2)

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