Windows "system restore" equivalent for iMac

After some reading, it is my understanding that the most equivalent of a windows "system restore" for the Mac would be via a 3rd party application such as SuperDuper. Am I correct? I believe I understand that "restoring" the system with Time Machine to a specific date/time requires utilizing the install disk, selecting the Time Machine volume and then picking the "snapshot" you want.
I'm a new Mac user after 20 years with PC's. Please forgive my elementary knowledge of MacIntosh.

wamcgeemd,
It is pretty common knowledge that the Windows "registry" is an absolute nightmare, where the installation of even (otherwise) innocuous software can cause serious conflicts that can cripple a Windows installation. Even during updates to Windows itself, a file in the registry might be written improperly or incompletely (for example), and the results could be disastrous. It is for this reason that Windows automatically creates "restore points" before updates. The problem has (historically) been prevalent enough to make this necessary. In short, a Windows user's ability to "roll back" to an earlier state exists simply because it is frequently needed.
This is not the case in OS X, which contains nothing even remotely like the "registry." While there have been (perhaps) a handful of updates to OS X- in all its variations- that have "broken" specific functionalities, almost all of these incidents have been cases where incompatibilities have occurred with the hardware or firmware of third-party peripherals. If the problem originated with the update itself, a fix has always been forthcoming very quickly from Apple. In all other cases, the fix has been new firmware from the device manufacturer. Of course, there have also been a few cases of third-party software being "broken" by a given update to OS X. I should stress here that all of these above occurrences have been very, very few and far between.
By far, the most common problem with updates is that they have the potential to cause disk errors. It is not that the update, itself, causes problems, but that the nature of an OS update is such that it can expose weaknesses in the file system. When the file system fails, a disk error occurs and data is often lost. Since the data being handled at the time of the disk error is all critical system data, a disk error like this will most likely cripple the OS.
Since a disk error of this nature necessitates a complete erasure of the hard drive in order to be properly fixed, what is required is not a "roll back," but a completely new installation on a newly formatted volume.
So, we have two potential cases: 1) Something in one's environment gets "broken" by an update, and 2) One encounters a disk error during an update. It is true that in case #1 above, some ability to "roll back" would be helpful. This functionality does exist with Time Machine, although it may not be as quick or simple as using a Windows "restore point." On the other hand, this type of problem is vanishingly rare (I have never encountered it). In case #2 above, a "roll back" wouldn't work or be desired, even if it existed.
The moral to all this is that restore points and "roll back" make sense for Windows, and Time Machine makes sense for OS X.
Scott

Similar Messages

1.Backup to External drive 2. CoverArt lost after Windows system restore

I recently spent many hours searching for and applying cover art for my music which was mostly ripped before cover art was readily available.
Because of this investment, I want to be sure my library is fully backed up. I want to use space on an external drive, rather than DVD's.
I noticed as I added art, iTunes started acting sluggish. I thought it might be because of the new version or a recent Windows Vista update. So I decided to run system restore. I was appalled to discover that restore wiped out the art I had added. So I reversed the restore and the cover art returned. It became clear to me that the art must be stored in some other way than in the actual music file. I've searched the forum and found others who had problems with system restore, but no explanation of exactly what I should do if I want to proceed with a system restore. I use system restore several times a year and I have never lost anything in iTunes before I started adding cover art. I also never had a problem with sluggishness til I added a bunch of cover art.
My library is large at 3000 items.
Is there a way to compact or optimize the database to improve responsiveness?
Is there a way to backup to an external drive? Is it just a file copy and export library file?
If I export the library as an xml file before I do a system restore, can I then replace it after the restore and protect my cover art.

To be completely sure what you're doing please take a look at your iTunes Folder and see what Vista stores inside it. To find it, go to Start>Computer>Hard Disk C>Users>Your Name>Music>iTunes>.......
Please note there is an artwork folder PLUS a music folder!
My guess is that your system restore point pre-dated the time you added artwork to your iTunes files. (Celebrate that system restore still works for you--I have not been able to successfully restore for over a year now--Norton Internet Security causes system restore failures for many Windows users! I've tried to do this using Windows XP and Vista--and I can never successfully restore anymore.)
To fully backup your library, just copy the entire iTunes folder to another source--second hard drive, USB drive, or burn it to a CD or DVD, etc.
If you're experiencing "sluggishness" it may be due to the amount of RAM on your system. iTunes needs a great deal of RAM to run smoothly. You can choose to: increase the RAM on your system, OR, turn off cover flow/album view and see if things run more smoothly.

HT1561 were to find Restore CD,for imac G5 10.3.7

were to find Restore CD,for imac G5 10.3.7

It's going to be difficult to find.
Suggest you join LEM-Swap for buying & selling Mac stuff. http://groups.google.com/group/lemswap
After you join, post a WTB (want to buy).
Why do you need OS 10.3 since it's obsolete? Your G5 will run Tiger 10.4 or Leopard 10.5.
 Cheers, Tom

No system restore support for Windows 8.1?

Last week I purchased a Satellite E45t-A4300. It came with Windows 8. Soon after booting it up I received a message from Microsoft saying that I could update to Windows 8.1 for free. So, I did.   The next day I called Toshiba's customer support in order to learn how to make back-up/recovery media. I was told that since I had updated to Windows 8.1, Toshiba would take no responsibility, since the Recovery Media Center software supplied with the computer is meant for Windows 8.0. Is this indeed the case?   What can I do? Thanks for any replies.

Your upgrade to Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store did not disturb the recovery partition. Consequently, refreshing or resetting your PC will restore Windows 8. Recovery media created from that partition also has the factory-new image. After restoring from either, you would then need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 again.
That works out fine for me, since I use restore to out-of-box only to test the hardware. I rely on a current (last night's) backup image to restore the hard drive.
If you don't want to obtain a third-party imaging application, Windows 7 full-disk imaging is still available in Windows 8.1. Paul Thurrott describes it here.
   Windows 8.1 Tip: Use System Image Backup
For data files, File History is very good.
   Set up a drive for File History
   Restore files or folders using File History
-Jerry

"system restore" option for Macs?

I'm sorry for the PC lingo, but I'm really new to Macs and I'm having a real problem. I tried to run a software update today on my Macbook, the computer froze during installation and now everything seems to be going crazy and not working!
Is there an option on Macs similar to "system restore" on a PC that will allow me to revert my computer to the way it was this morning, before all my problems occurred?

A similar thing happened to me. I purchased 8 days before the upgrade. I had the $1499 black MB. When I got the email about new models and I saw their new features I felt upset. Rather than fuming about it I picked up the phone and called the Apple store. I spoke to the manager who graciously agreed to exchange mine out for no restocking fee. I had been using Time Machine, so even though I had the thing loaded up, I did one last back up. I then re-installed a clean OS to get rid of my personal data.
The best part was bringing the new one home last night. I started it up, attached the Time Machine drive and used migration assistant from the word 'GO'. It was the simplest computer upgrade I have ever done! I did have to repair permissions and re-install my network printer, but everything else JUST WORKED! Including Parallels and my Win XP.
I am very pleased at my Apple customer service experience. This is my 3rd Apple computer in the last 1.5 years. I have been using PC's since '91 when I converted from an Apple 2C. I have had a few challenging issues,especially with my iMac, but I can't see ever going back to a PC at this point.

Time Machine: Full System Restore On New iMac...

I currently use Time Machine on my 24" iMac with a 500GB external hardrive. If something were to happen to my current iMac (i.e. My kid knocks it off the desk and it breaks), and I was forced to buy a new one, would I be able to use Time Machine to restore the new iMac to the last Back-Up of the old iMac? If so, would it automati ally transfer all of my pictures, movies, music, etc. to the new iMac as well? Thanks for any help y'all can give me on this subject.

J Double DuBB wrote:
I currently use Time Machine on my 24" iMac with a 500GB external hardrive. If something were to happen to my current iMac (i.e. My kid knocks it off the desk and it breaks), and I was forced to buy a new one, would I be able to use Time Machine to restore the new iMac to the last Back-Up of the old iMac?
not using full system restore utility on the leopard install DVD. your current system lacks hardware drivers that would be needed for a newer computer and if you do a full system restore of your current computer onto a newer computer using the restore utility on the leopard DVD it will most likely not even boot.
however, during the original computer setup you'll be given an option to transfer user data, settings and applications from a TM backup of your old computer. that option does not transfer system files but it does transfer everything else including your pictures, movies, music etc.
You can also do the same thing later using Migration Assistant (it's in /Applications/Utilities).

Best anti virus and system administration software for iMac?

I am wondering if there is software to maintain, clean my Mac, like there is with a PC. To ensure optimal performance.

How to maintain a Mac
1. Make redundant backups, keeping at least one off site at all times. One backup is not enough. Don’t back up your backups; all should be made directly from the original data. Don’t rely completely on any single backup method, such as Time Machine. If you get an indication that a backup has failed, don't ignore it.
2. Keep your software up to date. In the App Store or Software Update preference pane (depending on the OS version), you can configure automatic notifications of updates to OS X and other Mac App Store products. Some third-party applications from other sources have a similar feature, if you don’t mind letting them phone home. Otherwise you have to check yourself on a regular basis.
Keeping up to date is especially important for complex software that modifies the operating system, such as device drivers. Before installing any Apple update, you must check that all such modifications that you use are compatible. Incompatibility with third-party software is by far the most common cause of trouble with system updates.
3. Don't install crapware, such as “themes,” "haxies," “add-ons,” “toolbars,” “enhancers," “optimizers,” “accelerators,” "boosters," “extenders,” “cleaners,” "doctors," "tune-ups," “defragmenters,” “firewalls,” "barriers," “guardians,” “defenders,” “protectors,” most “plugins,” commercial "virus scanners,” "disk tools," or "utilities." With very few exceptions, such stuff is useless or worse than useless. Above all, avoid any software that purports to change the look and feel of the user interface.
The more heavily promoted the product, the more likely it is to be garbage. The most extreme example is the “MacKeeper” scam.
As a rule, the only software you should install is that which directly enables you to do the things you use a computer for — such as creating, communicating, and playing — and does not modify the way other software works. Use your computer; don't fuss with it.
Safari extensions, and perhaps the equivalent for other web browsers, are a partial exception to the above rule. Most are safe, and they're easy to get rid of if they don't work. Some may cause the browser to crash or otherwise malfunction. Some are malicious. Use with caution, and install only well-known extensions from relatively trustworthy sources, such as the Safari Extensions Gallery.
Never install any third-party software unless you know how to uninstall it. Otherwise you may create problems that are very hard to solve.
4. Beware of malware. Malware is malicious software that circulates on the Internet. This kind of attack on OS X used to be so rare that it was hardly a concern, but it's now increasingly common, and increasingly dangerous.
There is some built-in protection against downloading malware, but you can’t rely on it — the attackers are always at least one day ahead of the defense. You can’t rely on third-party protection either. What you can rely on is common-sense awareness — not paranoia, which only makes you more vulnerable.
Never install software from an untrustworthy or unknown source. If in doubt, do some research. Any website that prompts you to install a “codec” or “plugin” that comes from the same site, or an unknown site, is untrustworthy. Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must come directly from the developer's website. No intermediary is acceptable, and don’t trust links unless you know how to parse them. Any file that is automatically downloaded from the web, without your having requested it, should go straight into the Trash. A web page that tells you that your computer has a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with it, is a scam.
In OS X 10.7.5 or later, downloaded applications and Installer packages that have not been digitally signed by a developer registered with Apple are blocked from loading by default. The block can be overridden, but think carefully before you do so.
Because of recurring security issues in Java, it’s best to disable it in your web browsers, if it’s installed. Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This action is mandatory if you’re running any version of OS X older than 10.6.8 with the latest Java update. Note: Java has nothing to do with JavaScript, despite the similar names. Don't install Java unless you're sure you need it. Most people don't.
5. Don't fill up your boot volume. A common mistake is adding more and more large files to your home folder until you start to get warnings that you're out of space, which may be followed in short order by a boot failure. This is more prone to happen on the newer Macs that come with an internal SSD instead of the traditional hard drive. The drive can be very nearly full before you become aware of the problem.
While it's not true that you should or must keep any particular percentage of space free, you should monitor your storage use and make sure you're not in immediate danger of using it up. According to Apple documentation, you need at least 9 GB of free space on the startup volume for normal operation.
If storage space is running low, use a tool such as OmniDiskSweeper to explore the volume and find out what's taking up the most space. Move seldom-used large files to secondary storage.
6. Relax, don’t do it. Besides the above, no routine maintenance is necessary or beneficial for the vast majority of users; specifically not “cleaning caches,” “zapping the PRAM,” "resetting the SMC," “rebuilding the directory,” "defragmenting the drive," “running periodic scripts,” “dumping logs,” "deleting temp files," “scanning for viruses,” "purging memory," "checking for bad blocks," "testing the hardware," or “repairing permissions.” Such measures are either completely pointless or are useful only for solving problems, not for prevention.
Let go of the Windows mentality that every computer needs regular maintenance such as "defragging" and "registry cleaning." Those concepts do not apply to the Mac platform.
The very height of futility is running an expensive third-party application called “Disk Warrior” when nothing is wrong, or even when something is wrong and you have backups, which you must have. Disk Warrior is a data-salvage tool, not a maintenance tool, and you will never need it if your backups are adequate. Don’t waste money on it or anything like it.

After windows system restore, most ipod data not copying

I recently did a system restore on my computer using windows XP. When I tried to update my ipod, it said that 81 items were not transferred because my computer was not 'authorized' for them. All of the items were on my computer long before the system restore and were all purchased legally from the itunes store. So now most of my music, podcasts, and all of my tv shows won't sync to my ipod. I did a restore on the ipod, but that didn't help. Does anyone know what to do?

Is the new memory according to recommended specs?
there is no connection between battery and memory as far as i know. but while restoring OS to factory settings, it is advised that you keep original factory hardware (use old memory sticks etc.).
3000 N100-0768DKU
XP Home 5.01.2600 SP2
Ubuntu 8.04(hardy)

Similarity to Windows System Restore?

The best thing about Windows XP was the system restore function. For example, if you screwed something up, you could pick a time when the system was running fine, and restore your PC to its configuration at that time.
Is that possible in Time Machine? I see that TM will restore a file or files, but can it be used to turn back the clock on the whole system?

yes, you can do it with TM. boot from the leopard install DVD and choose "restore system from backup" from the Utilities menu at the top. Note that unlike the windows restore function this will restore the entire hard drive including all user files to the state they were in at the backup time.

Does windows' system restore take a snapshot of FF and am i able to role back to my old bookmarks that way?

does windows vista's system restore take a snapshot of FF that will allow me to role back to my old bookmarks?
thank you

i created a JSON file before the FF move. JSON files i tried to restore bookmarks from were from dates while i had the folder, yet they did not help it appear in any bookmarks menu or on any taskbar.
six months of bookmarks were in three folders put to a FF taskbar, two folders made it... one named bookmarks did not. it might be a flaw within firefox.

How to enable Windows 7 ISO file for iMac Computer

** extremely urgent
Dear Sir or Madam:
Due to my misunderstanding,an Apple Customer has purchased Windows 7 ISO file for his iMac Computer.
But, the fact is that Apple only allows this on computers that support booting from an USB drive (aka they don't have optical drive).
Though, whether i can adopt an non-recommendation folk prescription, i.e."http://www.codez4mac.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=212&t=61921"?
Are there any risk there ?
Please correct me ASAP.
Thank you !

Great news, thanks!
Not sure KB codes on what? Burning an ISO to DVD? Pretty Simple in Disk Utility, or the free Burn App...
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20060619181010389
http://burn-osx.sourceforge.net/Pages/English/home.html
Meanwhile, are there any risks there?
I doubt any "risk", only very likely thing is that OSX updates will likely rewrite the supported Macs file & if you had need to install Win7 again from ISO, then you'd need to edit that file again.
I think there was mention of this by Mike Breeden today, but the site is not available for the first time in years right now...
http://xlr8yourmac.com/
Could Apple Developers keep an eye on this?
Between you, me, & the woodwork, I doubt they're interested.
But...
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

Recently upgraded to new version of Firefox and after a Windows System Restore was performed today Firefox is no longer accessable (clicking Firefox icon results in nothing) what can I do?

After System Restore Mozilla Firefox icon is still on the bottom of screen but now when I click on the icon the Firefox browser does not open. I have a number of bookmarks saved that I would perfer not to lose - is there anyway I can restore Firefox without losing bookmarks?

Using System restore can cause your Firefox installation to get corrupted because not all files are restored, so be careful with doing a System Restore.
Do a clean (re)install and delete the Firefox program folder (C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\).
Download a fresh Firefox copy and save the file to the desktop.
*Firefox 9.0.x: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all.html
Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.
*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.
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_Firefox
Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile 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.
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_backup
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Standard_diagnostic_-_Firefox#Clean_reinstall

Mac OS 8.6 or Restore Disks for iMac G3?

I recently was given an iMac G3 (original tray loading CD-ROM drive).
The original owner took the original harddrive out, and didnt have the original restore disks.
While I was cleaning it I loaded a new blank harddrive in. Now when it turns on it I get a grey screen with a folder icon in the center and a blinking question mark, I assume it's looking for the OS files.
Anyway, what are my options here? Is there files I can download or a CD I can order?
Further, how would I load the OS once I get it? Would it load off the disk automatically or is there a series of keys I'd have to press to start it loading?
Sorry, this is the first Mac anything I've owned, little lone tried to restore.

SPV999 wrote:
I recently was given an iMac G3 (original tray loading CD-ROM drive).
The original owner took the original harddrive out, and didnt have the original restore disks.
What iMac do you have?
Query by serial number
"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"
http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php
or
http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html
( hint by K Shaffer )
While I was cleaning it I loaded a new blank harddrive in. Now when it turns on it I get a grey screen with a folder icon in the center and a blinking question mark, I assume it's looking for the OS files.
Yes.
Anyway, what are my options here? Is there files I can download or a CD I can order?
Mac OS 8.x to 10.3. I recommend 10.3. this will give you more of the Mac OS experience. you need 128 meg of memory.
Make certain you can return the memory
Mac OS X is a rather finicky when it comes to working with memory. While some memory sticks manufacturers may claim it meets the Mac OS X requirements, the memory may not work. You cannot tell until you try. From what I've have heard the memory fails immediately.
Open Firmware, boot into Open Firmware.
Power on your iMac while holding down commandoption+of
The first output line contains the firmware level. Mine reads:
Apple PowerMac4,1 4.1.9f1 BootRom built on 09/14/01 at 13.18.04
Copyright 1994-2001 Apple Computer Inc.
What firmware do you need?
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86117
I believe with a tray loading iMac G3, you can use any level of the firmware. If you decide to load the firmware you will need a version of 8.x Mac OS.
Further, how would I load the OS once I get it? Would it load off the disk automatically or is there a series of keys I'd have to press to start it loading?
Hold down the c key then power on the machine.
The tray loading iMac requires the boot partition to be within 8gig. Since there are hidden partition before the first visible partition, people recommend that you make the first visible partition 7.5 gig to 7.9gig. The machines support upto a 128gig Parallel ATA drive.
Did you set the harddrive to master? Master is a must. Cable select doesn't work. You need to set the hard drive to master mode. There is usually a label on the hard drive that tells you what jumpers you need to set. If you are not sure, give us the name and model number of the hard drive and usually someone will be able to tell you how to set that drive.
Robert

System-level EQ for iMac speakers?

Hello,
I just got a 24" iMac (aluminum), and it's amazing.
Well, the speakers aren't. They are not terrible, just kind of so-so. And in general, that's okay with me. I have a set of external speakers I could repurpose to my iMac, but I'd rather leave them where they are.
So, I played around with iTunes' equalizer to figure out what would make it more acceptable to me. I think Treble Boost would make it sound satisfactory for my current purposes. But I wish I could get such an EQ system-wide, so that it doesn't sound "off" when I'm toying in GarageBand or watching movies.
Anybody know of any fixes? User-friendly / AppleScript / Automator / 3rd Party (preferably free, but I'm open to paying for well-made products) are all welcome.

After a while, I've noticed that the EQ on the iMac doesn't bother me any more.
Either it was fine all along, or it's not fine and I got used to it, or I was too used to my laptop's speakers before I got the iMac. (Heh.)
Anywho, if anybody does know of any utilities to adjust system-wide EQ, I'd still be interested, so please do share.

Original restore discs for iMac G4 20-inch?

I'm trying to figure out whether or not I have all and the correct restore discs. So, could someone, who has an iMac G4 1.25GHz 20" and its original software install and restore discs, tell me:
1. How many discs in total did your iMac come with?
2. Is restore disc # 1 a DVD and are the other two CDs?
3. What is each disc's ID number? For instance, one of mine reads 2Z691-4708-A.
Thank you.

You could call Apple sales and ask, providing them a Serial Number
and product information, as needed, if they can tell you the correct
part or reference number of the original discs in the restore-install
packet included with the computer.
And if you do not have it there, place an order while you have them
on the phone. The main Apple Sales number in the web page is
most likely the first portal into accessing most items or services.
They can redirect you, if necessary. Could be the best source.
And if the computer is too old, they or an Apple Specialist, may
have the information you seek in a different Support database.
Then you can ebay or otherwise look for the correct disc set.
Good luck & happy computing!
{ edited }

Windows "system restore" equivalent for iMac

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