High Sierra clean install to new SSD-How?

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Level 1

32 points

High Sierra clean install to new SSD-How?

Hi,

I have this new SSD inside my Mac Pro 2010.

The MacOS is High Sierra.

Now I want to take advantage of this migration from my old HDD to the SSD and make a clean install, as much as possible, to clean old files from old installations, etc.

Don´t mind to install again my work programs but would like to keep my e-mails accounts, Safari bookmarks, Photo library, iMovie library, Contacts, Calendar, my own Fonts, Carbon Copy Clonner prefs; etc.

I cannot remember if I can choose what and what not, to recover from my Time Machine copy.

What is the best compromise to perform this clean instalation and keep my most important info?

Thank you.

Mac Pro, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6), Eizo CG241W

Posted on Nov 22, 2018 8:18 AM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Nov 23, 2018 3:16 PM in response to ateliercunha

With the SSD plugged in to your system you'll need to run Disk Utility to partition the drive with GUID and format it with Mac OS Extended (Journaled) partition.

SOLVED: How can I install OS X on a new ssd - MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2012 - iFixit

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Nov 22, 2018 5:15 PM in response to ateliercunha

What is the best way to switch for a new system/boot disc?

Once ready, Sys Prefs>Startup Disk.

Install the system in the SSD and use TimeMachine in the process?

I'd clone once you've cleaned up the HDD, but not a lot of diff either way.

Use Carbon Copy Cloner (own a copy for backups) from one drive to the other to do this task?

I really like CCC. See if it cn clone the EFI partition, if not then reverse my previous suggestion & Install 1st.

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Answer 3

ateliercunha Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 22, 2018 11:52 AM in response to BDAqua

Thank you BDAqua.

Ok; trim first.

Is there any trusty app you can suggest to clean/find old files from older installations, apps no longer install, stuff left behind, etc?

Both the HDD and the SSD will be inside the Mac Pro.

What is the best way to switch for a new system/boot disc?

Install the system in the SSD and use TimeMachine in the process?

Use Carbon Copy Cloner (own a copy for backups) from one drive to the other to do this task?

Thanks.

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Nov 22, 2018 5:09 PM in response to ateliercunha

I don't trust any of the cleaner Aoos, but AppZpper is liked by a few.

I use these myself...

EtreCheck is a simple little app to display the important details of your system configuration and allow you to copy that information to the Clipboard. It is meant to be used with Apple Support Communities to help people help you with your Mac.

http://www.etresoft.com/etrecheck

OmniDiskSweeper shows you the files on your drive, largest to smallest, and lets you quickly Trash or open them.

https://www.omnigroup.com/more/

Find Any File...

http://apps.tempel.org/FindAnyFile/index.php

Hold Option or alt key when selecting Find to Find All.

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Nov 22, 2018 11:26 AM in response to ateliercunha

You can choose, but not that finely grained.

I'm guessing it'd be best to trim before Migration or cloning.

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Answer 6

ateliercunha Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 23, 2018 3:08 AM in response to BDAqua

Thank you for the tips and links. I iiil try those apps .-)

Clonning: the Install High Sierra+Time Machine option works without flaws; righ?

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Answer 7

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Nov 23, 2018 6:14 AM in response to ateliercunha

It should yes, just not sure about the hidden partitions.

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Answer 8

ateliercunha Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 23, 2018 12:59 PM in response to BDAqua

Thank you BDAqua.

One last question (if there is the option); when preparing a new drive for system installation (or other use), one should choose "Erase" or "Partition" in Disk Utility?

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