Do I need to format a SSD prior to installing it in my MacBook

do I need to format a SSD prior to installing it in my MacBook

Always smart to format, install the OS, make sure all is working properly, then install in your computer. That is unless you like installing/removing hard drives in a laptop.

Similar Messages

  • Can i clone my macbook air HDD into an SSD and then install that on a macbook pro??

    i Have a macbook air 2013 with mavericks and my brother has a 2012 macbook pro with yosemite, i want to keep mavericks, can i clone my air's HDD into an SSD and install that SSD into the pro??

    Yes, although your MBA does not have an HDD. It has an SSD. Just put the new SSD into a dock or enclosure, clone your drive to it, then install the new SSD into the MBP.
    Clone Yosemite, Mavericks, Lion/Mountain Lion using Restore Option of Disk Utility
    Boot to the Recovery HD:
    Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
         1. Select Disk Utility from the main menu then press the Continue
             button.
         2. Select the destination volume from the left side list.
         3. Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
         4. Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it
             to the Destination entry field.
         5. Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to
             the Source entry field.
         6. Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
    Destination means the external SSD. Source means the internal startup drive.

  • I Beta tested 4.0 RC1 and now can not upgrade to 4.0. Error message is need to reboot to complete prior instalation. Have removed all previous versions of Firefox, rebooted and still same error message.

    I Beta tested up to and including 4.0 RC1 without major problems. However I can not now upgrade to 4.0. Same error message time and again, "need to reboot to complete prior upgrade instalation". I rebooted several times, then tried first removing all previous versions of Firefox using both MS Add/Remove and then iolo System Mechanic, then again downloading 4.0. Even after rebooting same error message. I can not therefore install/use Firefox.

    Do a clean (re-)install:
    * Download a fresh Firefox copy and save the file to the desktop.
    * Firefox 4.0: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/all.html
    * Uninstall your current Firefox version and remove the Firefox program folder before installing that copy of the Firefox installer.
    * Don't remove personal data if you uninstall the current version.
    * It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.
    Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere (not in the Firefox program folder) and won't be affected by a reinstall, but make sure that you do not select to remove personal data if you uninstall Firefox.

  • Do I need to format a New hard drive before Recovery & Apps/Drivers DVD? A15

    Greetings:
    I just installed a new 80GB hard drive in my A15-S157 (Old I know, but works great for what I need it for).
    I tried formating the new drive in an external enclosure on a different machine, but it always failed after noting format was 99%, even seemingly 100%, complete.
    I downloaded and ran Western Digital (drive manufacturer) Data Lifeguard quick and extended tests, both came back no errors.
    I used the "Toshiba Recovery and Application/Driver DVD, Satellite A15" disc that came w/the machine... everything seemsed to install just fine and XP boots right up.  BUT, I'm concerned that the format failure will come back to haunt me...
    The questions seem to be:
    --Is there a problem with using the Recovery DVD WITHOUT first formatting the drive (or not having a successful format)?  Other posts seem to indicate the DVD might do a quick format itself (it was a very quick install)?
    --Is it even possible to format a new HD in a USB external enclosure?  Perhaps this was the issue? (it was on an older Compaq desktop (XP), if it matters)
    Thank you!

    Only OEM drives come that way.  Actual Retail drives come in a box with instructions, warranty card, installation disk, etc. 
    But that has nothing to do with this.  You only need to be concerned with what the instructions that came with the Recovery Disks or Installation disks say.  When you run Windows Install from an actual Windows Install Disk Windows will always bring up a partitioning and formatting option prior to the actual installation whether the drive is unpartitoned and unformatted or not.  This has been the case since the first Self Contained Windows came out (Windows 95).  It's been at least 15 years since one needed to partition and format a drive PRIOR to starting the actual Windows installation process. 
    Recovery Disks work in several different ways depending on the manufacturer.  One thing they have in common is that they are designed to work on new disks (unpartitioned and/or unformatted) as well as drives that already have an existing OS installed. 
    If you don't post your COMPLETE model number it's very difficult to assist you. Please try to post in complete sentences with punctuation, capitals, and correct spelling. Toshiba does NOT provide any direct support in these forums. All support is User to User in their spare time.

  • SSD upgrade Mac Mini 5,2. Preparation of SSD prior to installation

    Mac Mini 5,2
    i7, 2.7 Ghz
    8 Gb RAM 1333
    Mac OS X
    HDD failure requiring replacement.
    I am experiencing an HDD failure, I have decided to replace the traditional HDD with a SSD.  I am comfortable with the process of replacing the drive itself, but I would like to know what the appropriate steps are to preapre the SSD prior to installation.
    I have regular TM backups. 
    Question is:  What is the most efficient process to get my machine back up and running? 
    Is there a need to install Mac OS X on the SSD prior to replacement, or can this be done after the replacement is complete?
    Thank you for your help, in advance.
    WG

    Before you install the SSD, check the vendor’s process for firmware updates. Does the vendor only provide a Windows firmware updater, or additionally, a downloadable Linux .iso that permits firmware updates on OS X?
    Is the firmware update process itself data destructive. Even if it is claimed otherwise, a solid backup or two (clone of your drive) are good safety precautions. If your SSD is a couple of firmware updates behind, you may find a dual-step firmware update process where the first step is destructive, and the second is not.
    Last summer, before I installed my OCZ Vertex 4 in my mini, I realized that the firmware update process was two-phase as described above. I had a PC tower next to my desk. The side panel came off and a length of SATA cable connected to the SSD. Ran the firmware updater on Windows. I have since acquired an external USB-SATA drive cradle. OCZ does have a more modern OS X firmware update solution now.
    I clean installed OS X onto the SSD from a USB stick after the mini drive surgery. Works perfectly.

  • Can i use seagate goflex 3tb external hard drive for 2010 27" imac internal hard drive replacment if i take it out of the goflex case.do i need to format it before installation due to it allready having goflex software on it from manufacturer.

    i have 3tb seagate goflex external hard drive.its brand new in package.i took it out of case and deleted partitions that were created by manufacturer.so now i have 2800 gigs.its formatted ntfs.will it work for late 2010 27" imac internal hard drive replacement.i found a apple repair place that will charge me 50$ to swap drives for me assuming i have the drive.i will have to install leopard myself at this price.i dont want to have to pay for anything other than the swap.will this hard drive work with this format or do i need to format it differently.

    Hello
    formatted ntfs
    NTFS format not work on mac system , need to be formatted as Extended Mac os Journaled format and partition table need to be GUID
    how to do that in video
    HTH
    Pierre

  • Do I need to format my iPod on Windows to use it as a hard drive on a PC?

    I use my iPod on a MacBook with my iTunes library, but now want to ALSO use it as a simple hard drive on my PC for files transfer.
    In the Windows explorer, I am told that it is not formatted and I am proposed to format it, which would erase all data on it.
    Do I need to format my iPod on Windows to use it as a hard drive on a PC?
    (I don not have iTunes installed on that PC currently)
    And if I have to format it, will all my music be gone, but can I simply then synch it again on my MacBook with my iTunes library?
    Thanks a lot in advance.

    To use the iPod Classic on both the Mac and Windows PC, you need to format it in FAT32 filesystem structure, which both OS can recognise.
    Yes, formatting it in FAT32, using iTunes, will erase all music and data in your iPod, but that is no problem if you have all the music in your Mac iTunes library.
    So to do this,
    Install the Latest iTunes in your windows PC, run itunes and check that all is in order (you can navigate, play some sample songs in itunes.)
    Connect your iPod to the Windows PC, USB 2.0 port (please dont use USB hub with iPod Classic, -my bad personal experience, freezing itunes and windows)
    iTunes will pop a windows asking you to reformat it in FAT32 and Restore
    Click ok. (HERE there maybe some problem, if your iPod hardisk is not in tiptop condition)
    When Restore is complete, eject the iPod
    Connect it to your Mac and sync iTunes library.
    If you want to use the iPod in Windows as an external hd, you have to set it in Disk Mode.  first then Windows will recognise it as a portable HD.
    Good luck! on this big undertaking.

  • I lost all my events on iphone prior to 2015 and this is not nice as I often need to look back on past dates they are on my Macbook air but how can I get them back to my phone

    I lost all my events on iphone prior to 2015 and this is not nice as I often need to look back on past dates they are on my Macbook air but how can I get them back to my phone

    They're not lost, they simply don't show because you settings ask it not to.
    Go to Settings --> Mail, Contacts, Calendar --> Calendar --> Sync --> All events

  • When connect ipod nano 6th gen i get error message "you need to format the disk in drive G: before you can use it Do you want to format it?"

    when connect ipod nano 6th gen i get error message "you need to format the disk in drive G: before you can use it Do you want to format it?" Any suggestions please

    Hi Michael
    These are the answers
     to your questions
    What is the OS version, Windows Server 2008?   
    Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6001]  
    SP1
     On which disk you choose to install it, the C: drive? 
    I have Raid 5
    What
    is the output of the Checkdsk?   It find Nothing
    Could
    you please upload us a screen shot?  I have no 
    Screen shot
    Is
    the C: drive is a external drive?  NO
    Besides,
    have you manually assigned the drive letter? 
    NO
    Thanks

  • IPod is formatted for windows but i need it formatted for mac

    i just got my iPod a couple days ago used from best buy and hooked it up from my mac not aware that it was formatted for windows. when i try to restore my iPod it just freezes up my computer. do i really need it formatted for mac in order to get good performance?

    Right. If you restored it in Windows the iPod will still be formatted for Windows.
    Now see if you can restore it on your mac.
    Also, know that Windows-formatted iPods work fine in Mac OS X. The only "problem" is that you cannot update the iPod's software on your mac if another software version is released. You would have to do that through Windows.
    If you plan on using your iPod with both Operating Systems, you may want to keep it formatted for Windows.
    btabz

  • Have a mac book pro that crashed. ran disk utility to repair. comp booted and ran for short time. then crashed. ran repair again. disk utility said it could not repair files and i needed to format hard drive and start again. now nothing works

    have a mac book pro that crashed. ran disk utility to repair. comp booted and ran for short time. then crashed. ran repair again. disk utility said it could not repair disk and needed to format and start again.
    comp said it could not unmount disk and now when comp trys to boot all i get is a question mark on the screen. help

    Erase and Install
    1. Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer Disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button.  When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
    2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area.  If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing.  SMART info will not be reported  on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
    3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
    4. Quit DU after formatting completes and return to the installer. Install Snow Leopard.
    5. After restart into Snow Leopard download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

  • Re: Need to format an internal hard drive into FAT32, how?

    OK, this is no playstation forum but bear with me.
    I bought a new 1 TB samsung internal HDD for my playstation 3 but it will not recognize it, probably because it is not pre-formatted into FAT32. I need to format this drive. I tried to put into an old laptop and do it but the connections were different. I put it into my Satellite A500-12W and thought I would use an old windows XP cd and find a "format" option instead of installation. However, the computer would not boot from the CD with the new hard drive in. I got the error message:
    "PXE-E61: media test failure, check cable
    PXE-MOF: exiting Pxe rom"
    The drive is brand new and should not be faulty. I had created Sattelite recovery discs before so I put number 1 in and then I reached the installation process but it seemed I had no option but to install the entire thing which is 4 DVDs and when I did it before I recall it being a days work (formatting often is with all the OK's that needs to be pressed) and I am working a lot these days, I would like to avoid making a full install just to be able to felete everything again and format it into FAT32. Since we are talking about the internal drive I can't just do it from windows since there is no windows on it....
    The user manual has nothing useful to contribute, I have looked through setup looking for a "format" option but can't find one.
    Can anybody help me? Can I for example enter MS-DOS without an operating system istalled and do it from there? All I want is an empty FAT32 HDD....

    Hi
    I assume you have formatted the HDD in FAT32 but you didnt create an partition.
    You have to create an partition on the HDD and then you can format this in FAT32
    Then the full 1TB should be accessible.
    You can do this using tool like fat32format
    Copy this fat32format on diskette or HDD. Its not big 24kb
    Now you have to point to the fat32format.exe and have to start this application using command fat32format.exe
    Then use command fat32format X: (X means the HDD drive in most cases its C)
    Now you have to press Y for Yes
    Other method:
    Boot the notebook using an Linux Live CD like Knoppix
    Such linux does not need to be installed on HDD.
    Now Linux should be able to access the HDD and you could create an FAT32 partition on this HDD

  • I have just bought a macbook pro and i want to use an ext hard drive with it which i previously used on a windows computer, but when i plug it in it doesn't show up on my macbook pro, I've wiped it and just need to format it but don't know how, help

    i have just bought a macbook pro and i want to use an ext hard drive with it which i previously used on a windows computer, but when i plug it in it doesn't show up on my macbook pro, I've wiped it and just need to format it but don't know how, any help would be much appreciated

    Try the other USB port. If it still doesn't show up in Disk Utility then there may be something wrong with your Mac. Try something else in each USB port and see if it is seen. If the other thing, like a USB thumb drive, does show up in disk utiltiy then the USB ports are fine.
    Power down the system and restart with the drive connected, go to DU and see it it is seen.

  • My newly macbook air can't install windows 7 via boot camp even I have formatted the SSD in the window installer

    I have insert the windows 7 disc as the instruction. Every things go fine at the starting, until the part that need to select the harddisk partition to install the windows.Even I have formatted the harddisk in the window installer, I can't continue my installation. Will it be the problem that the macbook air is using the SDD?

    I'm having the same problem. Yes, I followed the instructions completely all the way through clicking Format under advanced options for the BOOTCAMP partition. It appears to format it correctly, but when I click Next, I get the message "Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition."
    I read in the forums that I should unplug the USB drive. I tried that and instead, get the following message:
    "Windows is unable to install to the selected location. Error: 0x80300001"
    I have a new Retina display running Mountain LIon and the latest of everything. I tried installing both Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 ISO and Windows 7 Pro SP1 ISO, both downloaded from Microsoft. I am booting from a 32GB USB3 drive. I used Boot Camp Assistant for everything.
    I removed my old Windows XP VM from Parallels, wiping everything. The only other thing I can think of is that my MacOS is connected to Time Machine, but MacOS is not running while Windows is trying to install itself.
    Any ideas? Thanks!

  • New Buffalo extreme external hard drive do I need to format before use

    Hello
    Just purchased a Buffalo extreme external hard drive which can be used for mac or windows.  What I would like to know, do I need to format it journaled before using this hard drive for backing up only?  Should I partition this hard?
    Thank you
    rachealfromva

    Hi Illaass
    Many thanks for your response, what would we do without lads and ladies like you, thank you again
    rachealfromva

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