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    What is the fastest way to do this (change HDD)

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by ValkyrieLenneth, Jul 22, 2008.

  1. ValkyrieLenneth

    ValkyrieLenneth Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm gonna replace HDD on my Macbook. It is a 120gigs and i will replace it with another 200gigs tomorrow. Currently, I don't have any external drives around, so, is there any chance I can move my curent software setup to the new drive without reinstalling everything ? Thank you for your answer :p
    PS: I have a few PCs around, so i can move files freely.
     
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Use a Linux Live CD and GParted to copy the entire partition to the new drive. You'll need a USB/eSATA enclosure for the new one though.
     
  3. xprohx

    xprohx Notebook Evangelist

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    Put the old drive in an external enclosure and use your favorite software to clone it such as super duper.
     
  4. ValkyrieLenneth

    ValkyrieLenneth Notebook Evangelist

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    I know it will be an easy task if i have an external enclosure, but right now i have none -.-

    Is there any way to send the image file over the network to another pc ?


    Can i just plug the old HDD into a PC, make a clone and "paste" it to the new HDD ? Can Gparted do it ?
     
  5. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    You might be able to do it with Acronis TrueImage which can create backup image files. Then you might be able to use the network route or you can use a stack of DVDs. Download the TrueImage trial (good for 30 days), install it and make the recovery disk. Then you can boot the computer with the empty hard drive using the recovery CD and restore the image from wherever you put it. Explore the options.

    John
     
  6. ValkyrieLenneth

    ValkyrieLenneth Notebook Evangelist

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    Thank you, John. Do i have to format the new drive into OSX's file system before applying the image into it ?
     
  7. stealthsniper96

    stealthsniper96 What Was I Thinkin'?

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    Probably. When you have the OS X install disk in, disk utility is under 'utilities' on the menu bar at the top, use that to format the drive. Then I guess what you would do is cancel the install and boot off the cd you made with the backup program, but I've never done it that way so idk.
     
  8. ValkyrieLenneth

    ValkyrieLenneth Notebook Evangelist

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    I have read some articles today and one said that we can install leopard to a new HDD, then use Migration Assistant to import settings and softwares from the old HDD (in an USB enclosure). Has any one tried this ?
     
  9. J12

    J12 Notebook Evangelist

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    You can use carbon copy cloner. Make an image of the drive. Then copy the image back over to the new drive.