How do I update my old MacBook to the newest operating system, but want to clean it out thoroughly first (without losing my data). How should I best go about doing this?
Hi everybody. I have a MacBook that's about five years old. I want to buy the newest operating system so that it runs better (because currently it is struggling), however I would like to clean up all the old software before I do that. I want it to be as clean and new as possible before I buy the new operating system, instead of just downloading it ontop of all of the rubbish I must have accumulated. I also want to keep my data (documents, photographs etc). Would anybody be kind enough to provide me with a step-by-step (can be as concise as you like, depending on how much time/effort you have to explain!) guide as to how I might go about doing this myself? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank so much guys.
Step number one - Back up all your important data!
Seriously, it sounds like you are working without backups. Don't ever do this. Hard drives fail, it is a fact of life. Don't be one of those who get caught without a backup. An external hard drive, burning it all to DVDs, or online backup will save you frustration and money.
Two - don't expect a new operating system to improve performance. Get the computer running as best as it can before you upgrade. You may need more RAM or a bigger hard drive.
Similar Messages
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How do i update my old MacBook to the latest version?
Hi! I have a really old MacBook from like 2008/2009 and I haven't used it for a long time, and now i need to update it because I can't download anything. Now i have mac os x 10.5.8 and I need the latest version. Please help me! How do I do?
Upgrade Paths to Snow Leopard, Lion, and/or Mountain Lion
You can upgrade to Mountain Lion from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mountain Lion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. To access the App Store you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later installed.
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
You can purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.
After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mountain Lion if your computer meets the requirements.
Snow Leopard General Requirements
1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
2. 1GB of memory
3. 5GB of available disk space
4. DVD drive for installation
5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;
fees may apply.
6. Some features require Apple’s iCloud services; fees and
terms apply.
Upgrading to Lion
If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mountain Lion, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes international calling numbers. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.
Lion System Requirements
1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,
or Xeon processor
2. 2GB of memory
3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
4. 7GB of available space
5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Upgrading to Mountain Lion
To upgrade to Mountain Lion you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Purchase and download Mountain Lion from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mountain Lion is $19.99 plus tax. The file is quite large, over 4 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
OS X Mountain Lion - System Requirements
Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or later
2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or later
3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or later
5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
7. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.
Are my applications compatible?
See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps.
For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion. -
I am having a problem with my email account not updating on my iphone even though it tell me I have email in my btinternet account. Has anybody experienced this and have any possible solutions?
1954paulAfter some troubleshooting, I decided to order a new battery. I replaced the battery and was then able to get it to restore, however--after I restore it and it comes time to restart the phone, it gets stuck and doesn't turn on.
Sorry, your repair ruined the iPhone.
She does not have apple care and even though she loved this device, she isn't going to buy another iPhone because of all the problems shes had with this one (it's just over a year old).
After you ruined the iPhone with DIY, Apple won't touch it anymore. You should have asked before all these had happened.
I'm an android user myself and I love rooting/flashing new ROMS, so if jailbreaking her phone or doing some kind of super-restore with 3rd party programs might help, I'm all for it-
Yeah, all Android user can think of is Jailbreaking, read this: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3743 -
How can I update my ipad 2 to the new OS system when I can't find the software
how can I update my ipad 2 with the new operating system? I am in 4.3.5 version
iOS- How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
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I just updated my Iphone 4s to the new operating system but lost ALL MY CONTACTS on my phone. The contact list on my phone is completely blank. PLEASE HELP!
Hello 6underwood,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
For more information on this, take a look at:
iOS: Troubleshooting car stereo connections
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3581
If you are experiencing difficulties with the connection between your stereo and device, disconnect the device, and then power cycle the stereo and your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. When the Home screen reappears, reconnect your device. If you cannot power cycle the stereo, turn the car off and then back on to allow the stereo to power off.
Best of luck,
Mario -
Can I upgrade my Macbook Pro to the newest operating systems?
My Macbook Pro is currently running Mac OSX 10.6.8 and never had snow leopard installed. I was wondering if my system would even be able to run the newest operating system.
Second I was wondering if it is even worth upgrading to. I have had a lot of trouble with my system freezing up and didnt know if a software update could help this problem out.10.6.8 is Snow Leopard.
Depending what model your MBP is, it might not be a wise choice to bloat it with 10.7 or 10.8, especally since it won't run any PPC based software or hardware drivers your using.
Apple Menu > About this Mac > more information should show a model number like "MacBook Pro 4,1"
then download and install MacTracker, punch that in to find your machine and the latest OS X version you can run.
If your machine originally came with 10.5, I serious suggest you stick with 10.6.8
Second I was wondering if it is even worth upgrading to. I have had a lot of trouble wit my system freezing up and didnt know if a software update could help this problem out.
Upgrading to a newer OS X version won't likely cure your problems, just create more.
Step by Step to fix your Mac
Most commonly used backup methods -
I currently have the Mac OS X v10.5.8 and want to get the new operating system but I don't know how to do it. I don't have the Mac App Store and can't get it because of my version. What do I do?
The Early 2006 model 1,1 Core Duo can only run a maximum of 10.6 Snow Leopard. The models Late 2006 Core 2 Duos 2,1 through Early 2008 4,1 can only run a maximum of 10.7 Lion. The Late 2008 model 5,1 Aluminum Unibody through the Mid 2010 White Unibody model 7,1 can run 10.8 Mountain Lion.
To see which model you have go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info. When System Profiler comes up check the Model Identifier and post it back here.
The Snow Leopard 10.6 DVD should still be available from Apple for $20. You will have to call Apple Customer Care 1-800-692-7753 or 1-800-676-2775 to purchase it. It may still be in the Legacy Products list.
If they no longer have any in stock you will have to buy it from eBay or Apple resellers that still have stock. But you will have to pay a premium since the DVDs are no longer being made. Snow Leopard DVDs are already up to $100 on Amazon.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=10.6+snow+leopard&_sacat=0&_odkw=mac+os+10.6 &_osacat=0
Once you are at 10.6.8 Lion is still available from Apple. You will have to call Apple Customer Care 1-800-692-7753 or 1-800-676-2775. to purchase it. Then within 3 days you will get an email with a code which you can use to download Lion from the App Store. The price is still $29. You must have at least a model 2,1 MacBook.
Lion will require at least 2gb of RAM but really needs 4gb to run smoothly.
As for third party programs see this list for compatibility with 10.7 http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
Also Lion doesn't run any Power PC programs. To see if you have any Power PC programs go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info. When System Profiler comes up select Applications under Software. Then look under Kind to see if any of your applications are listed as Power PC. Universal and Intel will run under Lion.
Before Mac switched to Intel processors in 2006 they used Power PC processors from 1994 to 2005. Power PC 601 through 604, G3, G4 and G5. Applications written for the Power PC processors need the application called Rosetta to run on Intel processors. This was part of the Operating System in 10.4 and 10.5 but was an optional install in 10.6. With 10.7 Lion Apple dropped all support for Power PC applications. -
updated my iphone 4 today to new operating system...said error 50 and i lost all my previous data...there is no back up to get my contacts and photos back although it did say it was backing up first before it installed the new operating system but i cant find it anywhere...so frustrated at losing everything
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3694#error50
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Hello, I'm using Mac with the newest operating system (snow leopard 10.6.7). since I've updated to Firefox 4 It doesn't display Hebrew fonts… I didn't have any problems with it before the upgrade and in safari I have no problem with it. please help me- I don't like to use safari a my browser...
elly903 wrote:
Before commenting - I CANNOT install Mavericks because it'll mess up the versions of Filemaker Pro and Quicken that I use regularly...
Quicken 2007 for Intel (Snow Leopard, Lion, Mt. Lion and Mavericks) for $15:
http://quicken.intuit.com/personal-finance-software/quicken-2007-osx-lion.jsp
It will input your Quicken PPC data file directly if it was Quicken 2005 through 2007. If older you need Quicken 2006 or 2007 PPC first to convert your data file; and this update must be done BEFORE you upgrade to Mavericks:
http://quicken.intuit.com/support/help/patching/quicken-2006-manual-updates--mac -/GEN82200.html
Filemaker Pro PPC (in this case 7) running in Snow Leopard Server installed into Parallels for use in Lion, Mt. Lion and Mavericks:
[click on image to enlarge]
Snow Leopard Server: 1.800.MYAPPLE (1.800.692.7753) - Apple Part Number: MC588Z/A (telephone orders only)
This solution allows you to run your Photoshop Elements in Mavericks concurrently with Filemaker Pro PPC. Mavericks is a free download. -
I have updated my 3gs to the latest operating system but it is stuck in recovery mode and will not restore...any suggestions on getting it to restore?
Yes, a message pops up on the computer that says..."The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred. (3014)" I tried to research this and tried all of the things Apple suggested but still am not having any luck with it. Thanks for any assistance you may provide!
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I own an iPhone 4S and have installed ios8. Subsequently none of my apps will work. How do I uninstall and go back to the previous operating system?
Good luck at the Genius bar.
I have figured out that if I do a hard restart of the phone the apps will work for a time, but then they begin to all freeze up again after a short time.
This may be a problem of not enough free storage. Have you checked the storage used by your apps?
Go to Settings > General > Usage -
How do I upgrade to snow leopard (from leopard 10.5) and then restore my files from my time machine HDD backup...without losing any data or reinstalling leopard (10.5)?
Hello, it's great you have a backup, but 10.6 should just Install 10.6 system files over the top of 10.5 system files, & leave all your data intact on the drive.
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How can i update my old .cp to the new format for Cap7?
I have over 30 projects that were created with Captivate 4, throught a series of unfortunate events (my system crashed) i lost my old Captivate 4 program. My company just installed the new Captivate 7 on my computer and i cannot access the old projects because of the file extension.
I understand that i need to save them to the new extensions but don't know how to do that. Is it possible to download a free trial of Captivate 6 resave my old projects to the new extensions?
I really don't want to have to redo all of these projects. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
ktI hope someone of Adobe staff will pop in, because you'll need to have 5 or 5.5 to convert the cp-files to cptx.
Even when that is done, expect to have upgrade problems: AS2 was still supported on CP4, but not in later versions. Question slides can cause quite a lot of issues as well. Sometimes it is quicker to reuse the assets and create from scratch in CP7.
Lilbiri -
I need help updating an old software to the newest maverick - help please?
I was just given a macbook - it has an older system Mac OS X version 10.5.8. Can someone help me update it?
The first step in Upgrading... is to Snow Leopard = OS X 10.6.x
It is Not available as a download... It is a Paid Upgrade.
Do this first...
Check that your Mac meets the System Requirements for Snow Leopard...
Snow Leopard Tech Specs
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575
If so... Purchase a Snow Leopard Install Disc...
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
Other countries...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
After the Successful Install, run Software Update to get the latest updates for Snow Leopard and iTunes.
Next... MAVERICKS...
Check here to see if your Mac is compatible...
http://www.apple.com/osx/how-to-upgrade/ -
A few days ago, I updated the OS. Since then, I have been unable to access saved recordings on my Voice Memo app. Additionally, recordings I have made since then have been made unavailable to me as well. All of the recordings are listed, but will not play when I select the play option, nor will the app allow me to edit them if I wanted to change their names, or something. There is nothing noticably wrong with the touch screen itself, meaning, there are no dead spots that do not respond to touch. I cannot figure out why the memos will not play.
Is this a glitch with the new update? If so, how do I revert back to the OS setting I had prior? Preferrably, I would like to find a fix for this situation in the condition my device is now without having to adjust the OS settings.Can you record and play new VMs?
Can you sync them to your computer?
Try:
- Reset the iOS device. Nothing will be lost
Reset iOS device: Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at
least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- Reset all settings
Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset All Settings.
All your preferences and settings are reset. Information (such as contacts and calendars) and media (such as songs and videos) aren’t affected.
- Restore from a back that was made then the VM played back. See:
iOS: How to back up
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