How to restore original apps after clean install of Sierra

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How to restore original apps after clean install of Sierra

The last MacOS I had experience with was 10.4 (Tiger).

Just bought a new older system that came with Yosemite installed out of the box.

I really have nothing installed and minimal configuration invested. I would like to do a clean install of Sierra, but don’t know how you would go about installing the original system installed Apple applications (the free stuff in the applications folder!).

The old process was to reinstall the apps from the installer disc using an app called Restore (I seem to remember).

So the question is: If I do a clean install of Sierra, how do I get my original Apple apps back?

I assume Apple expects you to do an “update” or “upgrade” (can’t remember the terms they use); but since I have so little to lose, I suppose a clean install would be the better approach?

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Jan 7, 2017 10:39 AM

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Answer 1

Niel

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Level 10

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Jan 7, 2017 10:50 AM in response to Akibono

If they're associated with an Apple ID, log into the Mac App Store with it, click on the Purchases tab, and redownload them. If not, before performing the clean install, log into the Mac App Store with the desired Apple ID, click on the Purchases tab, and choose Accept.

(147346)

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Answer 2

Akibono Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 7, 2017 2:19 PM in response to Eric Root

Thanks, Neil,

I did, incidentally, use a spare drive to partition 2 installs: 1 of Yosemite and 1 of Sierra. The Sierra install has all the apps (minus GameCenter and X11 - I assumed Apple nixed these apps).

The apps on the Sierra install are blocked (circle w/ a slash).

So the App Store unlocks the apps? I assume you don't have to do this for each app?

I read, on another site, something about doing a clean install via a pre-configured usb thumb drive (16GB). Do you know why one would take this approach? Utilizing some "createinstallmedia" command in the terminal. Is this the better approach?

(This is the article I was looking at...if your curious: https://www.lifewire.com/create-bootable-mac-os-sierra-installer-usb-flash-40556 32). I believe Apple Support has a similar documented process.

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