[JazzCatDRP]

I just bought a new Internal drive for my iMac, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to transfer everything to the new drive. I do have an external that's big enough to hold everything. Should I just back everything up and then reinstall everything? Ideally, is there a way to just clone one to the other using the external as an intermediary?

[MacNNUK]

Originally Posted by JazzCatDRP 

I just bought a new Internal drive for my iMac, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to transfer everything to the new drive. I do have an external that's big enough to hold everything. Should I just back everything up and then reinstall everything? Ideally, is there a way to just clone one to the other using the external as an intermediary?

Previously, I just put the old internal drive into an external housing, and transferred my data back, saves one copying cycle.

For applications, I preferred to clean re-install anyway.

I note on A4 paper the steps I take, makes it easier for any re-install later, years later.

(When upgrading PC hard drive, I just plug old drive into CD/DVD cable connector (slave), and transfer from one to another, the newer drive having had OS installed onto it )

[Big Mac]

Macworld: Secrets: Disk Utility's hidden talents

[intake]

Disk Utility or my favorite (if you are still a Tiger user) is SuperDuper.