Clean install without losing everything

I need to upgrade to Tiger in order to run MSOffice2008.
I've been told by several people that stepping up to a new OS generally goes better with a 'clean install' which I understand to mean completely wiping out my hard drive -- starting over from scratch basically.
So I'm trying to figure out how to do this without losing all my stuff.
My plan/My questions
1.) Back up everything to an external hard drive (Any suggestions for a good 250-500GB drive? Is there any software that can be used to 'manage' this kind of back up?)
2.) Format the drive. (How exactly do I do this?)
3.) Bring all my documents and apps back. (The documents are easy enough to bring back, but I'm worried about the applications. For example how do I get all my emails back for the Mail app? What about my different Quicken records? Aren't applications kind of split into pieces and spread over different locations (like librarys and stuff?). If so, how do I get them back? I can reinstall them (like Quicken) from their disks, but how to I get my data?)
Hoping someone can point me in the right direction to get started.
Peter

Any suggestions for a good 250-500GB drive?
250GB...
http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_XLR8YourMac.cfm?ID=6383&Item=OWCNPFW7250GB
500GB...
http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_XLR8YourMac.cfm?ID=8750&Item=NWTMS2F7500G16
Format the drive. (How exactly do I do this?
Actually, on the two I linked to, they are already formatted for Macs & pretested, but should you ever need to, or just want to partition it...
Either open Disk Utility in Applications/Utilities from your Hard Drive, or...
" 1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility."
Highlight the new drive, select erase, and btw, check install OS9 Driveers if you think you might ever need to read or write to the OSX volume from OS9.

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How to do a clean install without loosing anything

Hi all,
I (foolishly) installed Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard as an update to my existing 10.5.8 Leopard install last year. Ever since I've had a host of small but annoying problems, that no one else seems to be complaining about. (For example in the finder half the time when I right click on a file the pop-up menu disappears after half a second and I have to click and hold to keep it open so I can make a selection.)
I'm starting to wonder if some of the problems I'm having are caused by the upgrade install, instead of a fresh install.
So I'd like to do a clean install of the OS, but it's been so long since I've done that I've forgotten how that works. How can I do a clean install without loosing all my data? Do I have to pull all my data off the hard drive, wipe it clean and start from scratch like you do on a PC, or is there an easier way? (I hope there is an easier way.) If someone could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.

I'm starting to wonder if some of the problems I'm having are caused by the upgrade install, instead of a fresh install.
I did an upgrade install on my old MacBook Pro, and it worked just fine. The key is that the system has to be in good working order when the update is applied... if there are minor problems, those problems can be magnified by an upgrade.
Of course, this may not be your problem... have you checked all your software and hardware for compatibility with Snow Leopard? One site that you can use, though it's by no means comprehensive, is:
http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/
So I'd like to do a clean install of the OS, but it's been so long since I've done that I've forgotten how that works. How can I do a clean install without loosing all my data?
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to do a true clean reinstall. In a nutshell, here's what you need to do:
1) Back up all your data. Make sure you've got application serial numbers stored somewhere!
2) Now back up all your data in another place. If you don't have two copies, you won't have any backups after the next step... the backup from step 1 becomes the original, and a poorly-timed drive failure would ruin you.
3) Reboot from the Mac OS X install disk (SL disk in this case)
4) Erase the hard drive with Disk Utility
5) Install the system
6) Update everything to the current version via Software Update
7) Install any apps you need
8) Update those apps if necessary
9) Reconfigure anything that needs it (network settings, appearance preferences, etc)
10) Copy +only documents+, no settings files, from your backup, preferably manually rather than with Migration Assistant (which can sometimes copy more than you might want it to).
That's about it! For assistance with any of those items, just say the word.

How to sync without losing Everything?!?

Got two Ipods here, for some reason my ipod will not sync with its mother computer, used to, won't now. I do not wish to lose all my music, oh and my Itunes library got wiped out too. So how do i sync an Ipods music that is ONLY on the Ipod, to a computer without losing everything? Does that make sense? Please help me!!

*So how do i sync an Ipods music that is ONLY on the Ipod, to a computer without losing everything?*
If your iPod is set to update automatically you need to take care connecting to an empty iTunes. You can use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows with iTunes 7.3 or later installed hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys together. This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer: iTunes - Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows
When your iPod appears in the iTunes source list change the update setting to manual, that way you can continue to use your iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it. Also when using most of the utilities listed below your iPod needs to be enabled for disc use, changing to manual update will do this by default: Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone
Once you are safely connected there are a few things you can do to restore your iTunes from the iPod. If you have any iTunes Music Store purchases the transfer of purchased content from the iPod to authorised computers was introduced with iTunes 7. You'll find details in this article: Copying iTunes Store purchases from your iPod or iPhone to a computer
The transfer of content from sources such as songs imported from CD is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod. You'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos, podcasts and games as well. Have a look at the web pages and documentation, this is just a small selection of what's available, they are generally quite straightforward. You can read reviews and comparisons of some of them here:
Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
Comparison of iPod managers
TuneJack Windows Only (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod2PC Windows Only
iDump Windows Only
SharePod Windows Only
iPodRip Mac & Windows
YamiPod Mac and Windows
Music Rescue Mac & Windows
Floola Mac & Windows
iGadget Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iRepo Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod Access Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
TouchCopy Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible - Windows version only)
There's also a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to a Mac or PC. The procedure is a bit involved and won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's available on page 2 at this link: Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer - The Definitive Guide
Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync. I would also advise that you get yourself an external hard drive and back your stuff up, relying on an iPod as your sole backup is not a good idea and external drives are comparatively inexpensive these days, you can get loads of storage for a reasonable outlay.

My wife and I have made many purchases over several years on seperate accounts, how could we join them into one account, without losing everything?

My wife and I have made many purchases over several years on seperate accounts, how could we join them into one account, without losing everything? We both use Iphone 5's and share an Imac at home.

Purchases using one Apple ID cannot be merged or transferred to another Apple ID. Purchases are forever tied to that Apple ID used. You have to decide which Apple you want to use for purchases and stick to that Apple ID so that you can share: Settings > iTunes & App Stores > Apple ID : > use the same Apple ID here to share purchases.

How do I sync my iphone with itunes without losing everything on my phone?

How do I sync my iphone with itunes without losing everything on my phone?

Normally, you should be able to sync your iPhone with iTunes without losing anything
What can happen is that you might have emptied your iTunes library for any reason such as a system restore
If this is the case, you first need to Import iPhone library to iTunes and then, you'll be able to sync your iPhone with iTunes with no problem

How can i sync my ipod touch to a different itunes library without losing everything on it?

Please help!!
Can someone tell me how I can sync my ipod touch to a different itunes library without losing everything on it?

Transfer iTunes purchases by:
iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to a computer
Transfer your music fom the old computer
iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
You can alsouse a third-party program likeoneof thise discussed here to transfer music from iPod to computr.
Copy music from Ipod to new computer...: Apple Support Communities
Connect the iPod to the comuter and make a backup by rignt clickingon the iPOd under Devices in iTunes a nd select Back Up. Then restore the iPod from that backup.

HT5622 My family has multiple phones on one apple ID. Is there a way of switching it so we each have our own ID without losing everything?

My family has multiple phones on one apple ID. Is there a way of switching it so we each have our own ID without losing everything?

Hi ndmulderx,
If I understand correctly, your family has been sharing a single Apple ID and now you want to give everyone an individual Apple ID without losing any content. You can do this with Family Sharing. The article below provides details about the feature which will allow you to share purchases between family members, create shared photo albums and much more.
Family Sharing
Cheers!
-Jason

My laptop has been fatally injured - how do I move iTunes to another computer without losing everything?

My laptop has died and I now have a replacement. I have my iPhone and the kids' iPods. How can I set up iTunes on the new laptop without losing everything from the devices? Or can't I?
Hilary

Copy the ENTIRE iTunes folder from the old computer or the backup of the old computer to the new computer.

My laptop died along with its harddrive, how can I sync my iphone to a new computer without losing everything?

Hi, my laptop died along with its harddrive, finding it difficult to figure out how can I sync my iphone to a new computer without losing everything on my phone (iPhone 3GS).
Any help appreciated
Thanks
C

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141

My one year old disabled my iphone 5 so i need to "connect it to itunes" as the screen directs. I know how to do this with my laptop but it says i will be doing a factory reset. is there any way to get my phone open without losing everything?

Long story short, my one year old disabled my iphone5 and I need to "connect to itunes" as the screen instructs. I went through the steps and it says that I will be doing a factory reset and I will lose everything. Is there any way to get my phone open without losing everything?? I'm mainly concerned about my pictures and videos.

Once the Device is in Recovery Mode... it is too late to save anything...
To minimise loss... after the successful Recovery... Restore from the most recent Backup...
See Restore from Backup here
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1766

I have an ipod classic and I did have a macbook pro but it crashed. Is there any way to transfer the music from my ipod without losing everything on the ipod. Because my new computer is a pc it wants me to reset my ipod but I will lose everything.

i have an ipod classic and I did have a macbook pro but it crashed. Is there any way to transfer the music from my ipod without losing everything on the ipod. Because my new computer is a pc it wants me to reset my ipod but I will lose everything.

See this excellent user tip from another forum member turingtest2 outlining the different methods and software available to help you copy content from your iPod back to your PC and into iTunes.
Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device
B-rock

My iPad is froze up, how can i restore it without losing everything?

my ipad froze up? cant do anything. how can i restore without losing everything?

Reset time. Press and hold both the power and home buttons for 10-15 seconds till the Apple logo appears. Then release both buttons. Wait 15-20 seconds for your iPad to start on it's own.

HT1925 How can I remove and reinstall without losing everything?

How can I Remove and reinstall itunes without losing everything?

Uninstalling & reinstalling should not affect your library, but you should backup anyway.
tt2

My ex set up my ipod on his laptop, i have locked it as i couldnt remember the password, how can i unlock it without losing everything on it???

my ex set up my ipod on his laptop, i have locked it as i couldnt remember the password, how can i unlock it without losing everything on it???

You can't. You will have to place the iPod in Recovery Mode and then connect to your computer and restore via iTunes. The iPod will be erased.
iOS: Wrong passcode results in red disabled screen
If recovery mode does not work try DFU mode.
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
The screen-lock passcode is a good security feature.

When i tried to download iOS8 on my iPad Mini it told me that I needed to connect my iPad to iTunes, I have done that and now it says I need to restore my iPad. How can I get my iPad working without losing everything on my iPad?

When i tried to download iOS8 on my iPad Mini it told me that I needed to connect my iPad to iTunes, I have done that and now it says I need to restore my iPad. How can I get my iPad working without losing everything on my iPad? I don't want to lose my apps and photos!
Help would be much appreciated!

If you are getting the connect to iTunes screen then it's too late to take a new backup and/or copy anything off it. Prior to starting the update did you take a backup, either to the cloud and/or to your computer's iTunes ? If not then have you recently taken a backup that might have your photos and apps content/settings in it ?
As long as the apps are still in your country's store then you should be able to redownload them via the Purchased tab in the App Store app (and the Purchased link under Quick Links on the right-hand side of the iTunes store homepage on your computer's iTunes), and if the apps store their content on a server/cloud service then you might be able to get their content back from that - if they store their content on the device then you will need to have a backup.
For our photos you could try doing a search for programs that claim to be able to recover content from a device - I haven't used any so I can't suggest one.

Clean install without losing everything

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