Sir Phoenix

Q: Replacing CD/DVD with SSD

Hi, I have a mid-2009 13" Macbook, and I'm thinking about replacing the CD/DVD Drive (which doesn't work) with an SSD, instead of replacing it with a new CD drive.

I would then move only OSX and Software on the new SSD, leaving other data on my main hard drive. I read that the best solution is to install OSX on the SSD from scratch, since migrating it looks impossible, but then how could I remove the old "duplicate" OSX from my main Hard Drive?
The whole migration process isn't completely clear to me, I wouldn't mind some step-by-step instructions.

 

Thank You in advance!

MacBook, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), Mid 2009

Posted on Jun 19, 2016 4:46 AM

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Q: Replacing CD/DVD with SSD

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  • by BobHarris,Helpful

    BobHarris BobHarris Jun 19, 2016 9:04 AM in response to Sir Phoenix
    Level 6 (19,479 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 19, 2016 9:04 AM in response to Sir Phoenix

    1st, I have done this on an iMac, so I've been there.

     

    You can use a cloning utility such as Carbon Copy Cloner (free fully enabled 1 month demo) or SuperDuper (free for a full clone) to move your boot disk to the SSD and it will be fully functional.  In my case, I used Carbon Copy Cloner.  It is even technically possible to use the Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility -> Restore as a way to clone the disk, but I find it cumbersome.

    <http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html>

    <https://www.bombich.com/>

     

    I think you could also just restore a Time Machine backup to the SSD as well (although I have not done this, so I do not know the details).

     

    You can do a clean install and get rid of any cruft you have accumulated over the years, and then only install the stuff you are currently using.

     

    Or you could do a clean install and then use Applications -> Utilities -> Migration Assistant to move over specific catagories of files from the original boot disk.

     

    After you have the SSD up and running with your software on it, consider enabling TRIM

    <http://www.imore.com/os-x-10104-and-trim-support-should-you-turn-it>

     

    I used the OWC <http://MacSales.com> Data-Doubler kit to replace my iMac DVD with an SSD.  They provided everything I needed.  I choose a kit that included the tools I would need.  I also watched installation videos at OWC as well as on YouTube to get comfortable with the install.  And I had a copy of the <http://iFixIt.com> tear-down instructions and pictures printed out for reference while doing the install.  I would tape any screws I removed to the instructions that told me to remove that screw so I would make sure I would put the correct screw back in the correct hole.

  • by Sir Phoenix,

    Sir Phoenix Sir Phoenix Jun 19, 2016 9:10 AM in response to BobHarris
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 19, 2016 9:10 AM in response to BobHarris

    Thanks, BobHarris, this was very helpful and very clear.

    There's still one thing I can't figure out.

    Once I perform a clean install on the SSD, and I'll find myself in this situation:

    - Hard Drive: OSX + Data

    - SSD: OSX New Install

    How can I delete the old OSX installation on the main Hard Drive, and leave there just the Data? My ideal goal is to have this situation:
    - Hard Drive: Data

    - SSD: OSX and Software

     

    Thanks!

  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Jun 19, 2016 9:46 AM in response to Sir Phoenix
    Level 6 (19,479 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 19, 2016 9:46 AM in response to Sir Phoenix

    Very carefully (and you should make sure you have a backup before trying anything with the original hard disk)

     

    Get the...

     

    Ooops, accidentally hit a key to submit this before it was finished

  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Jun 19, 2016 9:54 AM in response to Sir Phoenix
    Level 6 (19,479 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 19, 2016 9:54 AM in response to Sir Phoenix

    If and ONLY If your SSD is large enough to initially get everything on the SSD, do that as a starting point.

    Then backup the SSD, as a safety precaution.

    Now erase the hard disk, and copy your pictures, music, and movies (these are the really large files) over to the erased and reformatted hard disk.  Then in the Photos, iTunes, iMovie apps, set the preferences to point to the copied files on the hard disk.

     

    Now making sure you have a complete backups, you delete the files you copied from the SSD to free up the space.  The reason for the backup is that if something goes wrong, you can always restore and try again.  If you do not have a backup, and you make a mistake you could lose valuable personal files.

     

    If you do not have enough space on the SSD to put everything there to begin with, you can manually try deleting things that are not in your home directory on the original hard disk.

     

    Or backup the hard disk, erase and reformat the hard disk, then copy back from the backup just the stuff you want on the hard disk, again configuring Photos, iTunes, iMovie to put to the files back on the hard disk.

     

    Do not forget to configure System Preferences -> Startup Disk so the SSD is your boot disk.