[MBP - 2008, 4,1] Best way to replace HDD with SSD

Looking to upgrade my 2008 Macbook pro with a new SDD.
What is the best way to install a SDD while still saving the data from my HDD?  I've heard it's possible to clone the hard drive, place the info on the SDD, and then boot with it.  I've tried my best googling it, but I can't seem to figure out how I would connect my SSD to my computer while the HDD is still installed?  I don't have an external drive with SATA connections. 
If I do have to do a clean boot with the SDD (After saving important documents on an external drive), would I need my OSX disks?  It's been a long 4 years with this computer and don't think there is any chance of recovering the OSX boot disks.  Is there a way to download these necessary to do a clean boot?
Thanks for helping a misguided student trying to speed up his laptop!

You have two basic options. First is simply replace the HDD with the SSD. Second is to remove the optical drive, move the HDD to the space where the optical drive was (you need a mounting kit for this) and install the SSD where the HDD was installed.
Visit OWC to see the various options they have that includes the special mounting kit, SSD, and installation tutorials.
If you go with the first option then you will need an external notebook drive enclosure in which to put the HDD when you replace it with the SSD.
As for cloning that is done as follows:
Clone using Restore Option of Disk Utility
Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
Select the destination volume from the left side list.
Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
Check the box labeled Erase destination.
Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
Destination means the external backup drive. Source means the internal startup drive.
Be sure you prep the SSD properly:
Drive Preparation
1.  Boot from your old HDD. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your SSD (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. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.
I would also recommend upgrading your OS to Snow Leopard. You will need at least 1 GB of installed RAM for Snow Leopard.

Similar Messages

  • Preferred way to replace hdd with sad

    Hi,
    currently I own a MacBook Pro with a 300GiB HDD. Because of all the iTunes stuff, which I want to leave where it is, the hard drive is getting fuller. I only have round about 40GiB left on my device.
    I studied computer science and I already gave 8GB og memory to my computer, so I know what I am doing and I want to replace my hdd with an 400GiB ssd right now.
    It seems it is SATA-2 2.5". So I guess every ssd should be fine, as long as it is good quality.
    Now my question is, what is the best way to get my Lion back on the ssd?
    I have a Time Capsule. So simplest way would be to put in the ssd and boot from my Lion DVD (which I created earlier) and restore the system. So here come to questions: What happens with partitions? The ssd is 100GiB larger, so does this work? What happens with the rescue partition and with the boot loader stuff?
    A second way would be to install Lion directly from DVD and can I restore from Time Machine, then?
    I am a little bit stuck here and do not yet know, would would be best? Any experiences that you might like to share with me?
    The reason for the ssd by the way is that Lion got so brutally slow here :-(
    Best wishes and thanks in advance
    Christian

    Assuming you have an external enclosure for the drives, this is how I have switched drives:
    First connect it to the MBP and open DISK UTILITY and format the new drive to MAC OS EXTENDED (JOURNALED).  (The side bar will show both drives, so select the new one)
    Next go to RESTORE and drag the respective drives to the appropriate fields and click on restore.  This will transferr all of the data from the original drive to the new one.  This will result in both drives having duplicate data and may take a couple of hours of run time (you can have lunch or whatever).
    Finally swap the new drive into the MBP and turn it on.  I have found that the initial boot takes about a minute longer than what you are used to.
    You can put the old drive in the enclosure and erase the duplicate data.
    Caio

  • Envy 17i replace HDD with SSD

    I just purchased a new Envy 17t quad core touch screen with a 1 TB HDD 5400 rpm. At the same time i purchased a new Samsung 840EVO 500 GB SSD with the intent of replacing the slower HDD with the faster SSD. I figured it would be an easy switch (I replaced the drive in my older laptop without any issues). I figured it would be a few screws and a small panel removed from the underneath the laptop and everything would be done.
    But after I received the new machine, got everything setup and running and moved the information from the HDD to the SSD, I turned everything off and turned the machine over and alas… there are no panels (as described in the documentation) as I was expecting. It just one siingle piece!
    How do I get to the HDD to replace it? Am I supposed to remove all the screws and remove the entire bottom or does the top (where the keyboard is) pop off and you have access through the top?
    Help!
    This question was solved.
    View Solution.

    Then the correct model number is 17t-k000 and the videos I linked above I apply to you.

  • Replace HDD with SSD for HP ENVY 15t-j000 Quad Edition Notebook PC

    I'd like to buy a HP ENVY 15t-j000 Quad Edition Notebook PC and a HP v300a 120GB SATA Solid State Drive with Upgrade Kit.
    Now the SSD has a 7mm thickness.
    My question is if I can replace the HDD with this SSD? How thick is the HDD bay in the laptop.
    If it's more than 7mm will the SSD move inside it?
    Thanks
    This question was solved.
    View Solution.

    Hi,
    The old HDD on your machine is a bit thicker but with at least 4 screws I don't think new SSD will floating around in the case. I actually put new SSD in one of my laptop (not HP) and no problem BUT I don't move this laptop around. If needed, blue tac may help.
    Regards.
    BH
    **Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
    Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

  • Replacing HDD with SSD, is it possible. T400

    If it can be replaced, is it worth it??
    Specs: 7417 Core 2 duo, 2 gig memory, 160 HD, xp professional
    Message Edited by Frankim3 on 07-07-2009 06:10 PM
    Message Edited by Frankim3 on 07-07-2009 06:12 PM

    the T400 supports SATA2 mode. Unless you need constant high speed hdd access, then you should get the SSD, otherwise, i will just invest in a high quality 7200 rpm SATA drive.
    If you are planning to get the SSD you should get the latest generation one, also you would need a 1.8 inch to 2.5 inch hdd mount adapter, otherwise the ssd won't fit in the T400 hdd slot.  
    Regards,
    Jin Li
    May this year, be the year of 'DO'!
    I am a volunteer, and not a paid staff of Lenovo or Microsoft

  • Best way to replace move in iDVD project?

    Hello,
    I have an iDVD project started and realized I wanted to change a couple details in the iMovie I imported to the project. I can go back and correct the iMovie, but what's the best way to replace the current movie in the iDVD project with the revised iMovie? I'd rather not have to start a new iDVD project and add the pictures to the drop zones etc. Thank you, Rick H.

    I forgot that if I hit 'return' the forum cuts what I write. Once I've got a movie in an iDVD project, what's the best way to replace that movie with a revised version (if I realize I need to make a couple changes in iMovie? Do you just go to the map and manually delete everything except the main title? Thanks, Rick.

  • What's the best way to replace front glass on an iPhone 4?

    My grandson has a 4 and has cracked the front glass. Trying to find the best cost effective way to replace the glass.

    i don\'t want an alias!! wrote:
    What's the best way to replace front glass on an iPhone 4?
    Take it to an Apple Store for out of warranty exchange fro $149.
    This way you get a refurb iPhone including new battery.
    See this -> http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=servicefaq&geo=United_States&product=ipho ne
    Out-of-Warranty Service
    If you own an iPhone that is ineligible for warranty service but is eligible for Out-of-Warranty (OOW) Service, Apple will service your iPhone for the Out-of-Warranty Service fee listed below.
    iPhone model
    Out-of-Warranty Service
    iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c,
    iPhone 5
    $269
    iPhone 4S
    $199
    iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS,
    iPhone 3G, Original iPhone
    $149

  • What is the best way to replace the Inline Views for better performance ?

    Hi,
    I am using Oracle 9i ,
    What is the best way to replace the Inline Views for better performance. I see there are lot of performance lacking with Inline views in my queries.
    Please suggest.
    Raj

    WITH plus /*+ MATERIALIZE */ hint can do good to you.
    see below the test case.
    SQL> create table hx_my_tbl as select level id, 'karthick' name from dual connect by level <= 5
    2 /
    Table created.
    SQL> insert into hx_my_tbl select level id, 'vimal' name from dual connect by level <= 5
    2 /
    5 rows created.
    SQL> create index hx_my_tbl_idx on hx_my_tbl(id)
    2 /
    Index created.
    SQL> commit;
    Commit complete.
    SQL> exec dbms_stats.gather_table_stats(user,'hx_my_tbl',cascade=>true)
    PL/SQL procedure successfully completed.
    Now this a normal inline view
    SQL> select a.id, b.id, a.name, b.name
    2 from (select id, name from hx_my_tbl where id = 1) a,
    3 (select id, name from hx_my_tbl where id = 1) b
    4 where a.id = b.id
    5 and a.name <> b.name
    6 /
    Execution Plan
    0 SELECT STATEMENT Optimizer=ALL_ROWS (Cost=7 Card=2 Bytes=48)
    1 0 HASH JOIN (Cost=7 Card=2 Bytes=48)
    2 1 TABLE ACCESS (BY INDEX ROWID) OF 'HX_MY_TBL' (TABLE) (Cost=3 Card=2 Bytes=24)
    3 2 INDEX (RANGE SCAN) OF 'HX_MY_TBL_IDX' (INDEX) (Cost=1 Card=2)
    4 1 TABLE ACCESS (BY INDEX ROWID) OF 'HX_MY_TBL' (TABLE) (Cost=3 Card=2 Bytes=24)
    5 4 INDEX (RANGE SCAN) OF 'HX_MY_TBL_IDX' (INDEX) (Cost=1 Card=2)
    Now i use the with with the materialize hint
    SQL> with my_view as (select /*+ MATERIALIZE */ id, name from hx_my_tbl where id = 1)
    2 select a.id, b.id, a.name, b.name
    3 from my_view a,
    4 my_view b
    5 where a.id = b.id
    6 and a.name <> b.name
    7 /
    Execution Plan
    0 SELECT STATEMENT Optimizer=ALL_ROWS (Cost=8 Card=1 Bytes=46)
    1 0 TEMP TABLE TRANSFORMATION
    2 1 LOAD AS SELECT
    3 2 TABLE ACCESS (BY INDEX ROWID) OF 'HX_MY_TBL' (TABLE) (Cost=3 Card=2 Bytes=24)
    4 3 INDEX (RANGE SCAN) OF 'HX_MY_TBL_IDX' (INDEX) (Cost=1 Card=2)
    5 1 HASH JOIN (Cost=5 Card=1 Bytes=46)
    6 5 VIEW (Cost=2 Card=2 Bytes=46)
    7 6 TABLE ACCESS (FULL) OF 'SYS_TEMP_0FD9D6967_3C610F9' (TABLE (TEMP)) (Cost=2 Card=2 Bytes=24)
    8 5 VIEW (Cost=2 Card=2 Bytes=46)
    9 8 TABLE ACCESS (FULL) OF 'SYS_TEMP_0FD9D6967_3C610F9' (TABLE (TEMP)) (Cost=2 Card=2 Bytes=24)
    here you can see the table is accessed only once then only the result set generated by the WITH is accessed.
    Thanks,
    Karthick.

  • What's the best way to replace a 60 W Mag Safe Power Adapter?

    What's the best way to replace a 60 W Mag Safe Power Adapter for a Macbook Pro?

    Buy one from Apple!!

  • The best way to replace the internal hard drive

    Hi,
    I have a MacBook with a 160gb hard drive which has been partitioned into two partitions one for OSX (130gb) and the other for Windows 7(30gb) and as you can imagine 30gigs for windows is almost nothing, the OS itself is taking a big percentage of its capacity, so I would like to expand both partitions by having a bigger hard drive installed but I was wondering what would bethe best way to do this so I don’t have to reinstall OSX and Windows 7, I have heard about Super Duper for OSX I don’t know if a similar software exists for Windows, well I don't even know if this is the way to go. So my question would is...
    What would be the best way to replace an internal hard drive and have everything moved including the Operating Systems (OSX Lion and Windows7)?
    Can someone be so kind and tell me the procedure I should follow to accomplish this task? I’m not expecting a step by step tutorial but if you could list the tools needed and a brief procedure it would be greatly appreciated.
    Oh, I’m using Boot Camp for the Windows 7 installation.
    Thanks a lot.

    For a hard drive try Newegg.com http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=380&name=Laptop-Hard-Dr ives&Order=PRICE
    Or OWC  http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/
    Here's instructions on replacingthe hard drive http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=45088
    To transfer your current hard drive I like the free application Carbon Copy Cloner. It makes a bootable copy of everything on your hard drive http://www.bombich.com/index.html You'll need a cheap SATA external hard drive case. Put the new drive in the case then partition and format the new drive and clone your old drive to the new one. Check that it's set up right by booting up from the external drive. Then replace your old hard drive with the new one.
    Here's a cheap SATA external hard drive case on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-2-5-SATA-HDD-HARD-DRIVE-EXTERNAL-ENCLOSURE-CASE-BOX-/120 636286623?pt=PCC_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item1c167ba69f
    For copying the Windows partition I like WinClone http://download.cnet.com/Winclone/3000-2242_4-172338.html
    After you've installed your Mac OS with Carbon Copy Cloner (or SuperDuper) on the new drive create a new Windows partition with Boot Camp and copy your WinClone copy to it with Winclone.

  • Best way to Replace OLD Time Capsule with a new one

    What is the best way to replace an old Time capsule with a new Time Capsule in an existing wireless network?

    IMHO..
    Start over..
    Put the new TC in place and configure .. completely differently to the old one. That means you have to go around and reset everything to connect if you use wireless.. and you should forget all the old configuration beforehand.
    You can of course try and slip it in using identical names and identical settings.. but the computers are not fooled.. the BSSID is different. And other issues tend to arise.
    Use naming that is short, no spaces and pure alphanumeric.
    See Pondini post C9 here.
    http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
    It may take more time to start with.. depending on how many devices you have.. but in the end, you can get much less problems out the other side.. which are extraordinarily hard to diagnose and fix..
    But that is IMHO.. others are welcome to dispute that and may find a full swap using old settings copied to a file and copied back to the new TC work fine.
    There are any number of posts around about doing just that.
    I will post one if I see it..
    I do confess to being a bit of a purist when it comes to this stuff.. but then I used to do computer support and trying to fix the messes people got themselves into .. inevitably they tried to cut corners.. instead of doing the setup from scratch.

  • Hi, what's the best way to replace IMAC 27'' glass when broken (latest Imac generation from end 2012) ?  Thanks,

    Hi, what's the best way to replace IMAC 27'' glass when broken (latest Imac generation from end 2012) ?  Thanks,

    Not sure about the 2012 models but the 2010 ones can be removed in seconds, using a suction cup on the top corner. I use my tomtom to lift it away. It is attached by magnets.
    Hope this helps.

  • What is the best way to stream sports with Apple TV

    What is the best way to stream sports with apple TV

    Your question is a little too broad. Hard to know what sports you are talking about.
    If you have a newer Mac, you can use airplay to mirror anything on your Mac to your apple tv. Or use the ESPN app.
    But a lot of sports just can't be streamed as they are available, though I bet this year sees a lot of new livestreams on sports on YouTube or Ustream.
    Hugh

  • The Best Way to engage InDesign with InCopy

    Hello Mr./Ms.
    I have some question about collaborating between InDesign with InCopy. My question is which one the best way to engage InDesign with InCopy, the way number one or number two?
    Usually, I make assignment first in InDesign, and I put that file (.inca) on a server. So the editor can open the inca file from server. Instead of Editor, I take the incx file from server.
    The Editor directly open Indd File from server, so I'm not necessary to create assignment file.
    I hope someone can help to solve this my problem. Thank you very much for attention.
    note: What server and network requirement for best result InDesign and InCopy workflow?
    Best Regards,
    Bambang Damayanto
    [email protected]

    I respectfully disagree; I think assignments are in most cases (not all) more trouble that they're worth.  For your local work, continue w/INDD files only. It just makes things simpler.
    When an editor wants to work on something off-site, the designer can make an assignment on the fly for them.  It could even be the entire document as one large assignment. Since the stories are already exported, you just need to make the assignment (Create New Assignment from the Assignment panel menu) and the drag/drop the linked stories to that assignment. Other people can still open the INDD file but they won't be able to edit the stories that were packaged for the remote editor.
    AM

  • Best way to export data with r.t. prompts and have dense dim mbrs on rows?

    Hi All-
    What is the best way to export data with Run time prompts out of Essbase?
    One thought was to use Business Rules with run time variables and DATAEXPORT command, but I came across at least one limitation where I cannot have months (part of dense Time Periods dimension) on rows.
    I have only two dense dimensions: Accounts and Time Periods and I need both of these on rows. This would come handy when user enter Start and End month and year for data to be exported e.g. If start period is Feb 2010 and end is Jan 2011, I get data for all months in 2010 and 2011.
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000",14202.24,14341.62,14560,13557.54,11711.92,10261.58,12540.31,15307.83,16232.88,17054.62,18121.76,18236
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000",19241,21372.84,21008.4,18952.75,23442.13,19938.18,22689.61,23729.29,22807.48,23365,23915.3,24253
    "CORP1","0173","FY11","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","404000",21364,22970.37,23186,27302,25144.38,27847.91,27632.11,29007.39,24749.42,27183.39,26599,27112.79
    where ideally I would need to get the following:
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Feb",14341.62
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Mar",14560
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Apr",13557.54
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","May",11711.92
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Jun",10261.58
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Jul",12540.31
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Aug",15307.83
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Sep",16232.88
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Oct",17054.62
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Nov",18121.76
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","402000","Dec",18236
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Feb",21372.84
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Mar",21008.4,
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Apr",18952.75
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","May",23442.13
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Jun",19938.18
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Jul",22689.61
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Aug",23729.29
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Sep",22807.48
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Oct",23365
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Nov",23915.3
    "CORP1","0173","FY10","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","403000","Dec",24253
    "CORP1","0173","FY11","Working","Budget","Local","HSP_InputValue","404000","Jan",21364
    Thank you in advance for any tips.

    Have a read of the following post :- export data to sql
    It may give you a further option.
    Cheers
    John
    http://john-goodwin.blogspot.com/

Maybe you are looking for