As my current MacBook Pro Hard drive (160gb) is almost full and I have already gone through the suggestions for freeing up space that I have found on this site, (great by the way). I have decided to buy a larger hard drive and swap them over.
My question is regarding the back up and reinstallation of the data on my original hard drive. I currently back all my information into an external hard drive, using Time Machine. Would I simply swap the drives over, boot to Lion from my Boot Disc and then plug in my Time Machine drive and restore everything from there? Or am I missing something obvious out? Also, can I still use the old drive as an external storage device?
Any help or suggestion would be great.
Thanks
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Ian
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Replacing the Hard Drive On a MacBook Pro – Back Up Tips
Comments: 3 Responses to “Replacing the Hard Drive On a MacBook Pro – Back Up Tips”
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Yes, you have it right. But I would probably have a shop install your new drive. And have them clone the original to the new one (they should have the equipment to do that). That saves you a lot of trouble and they should get it right if they know what they are doing.
But if you install it yourself, then, yes, you restore from your Time Machine backup.
You can use the old drive for something else, but you have to get a case for it (with connectors and a power supply). As it is only a 160GB drive it probably isn't worth it. 160GB drives cost less then what it would probably cost you to convert this one.
Thanks for your help with this Gary. Having viewed a couple of demo videos on YouTube, i'm quite confident that I can replace the drive myself, but it was the software side of things I was dubious about. Would they clone and install a new drive at the Apple Store? And do you know if they would charge for this?
Thanks again.
I don't think they would do it as I don't think they sell hard drive replacements. But you can always call or stop by and ask. Or, find another Mac shop near you.