Do you think it's safe to upgrade to the latest Yosemite beta without a backup?

[Virgo]

I don't have a backup hard drive for my MBP 13".. but I really want to try Yosemite (currently still using Mavericks). Do you think I could just upgrade it as my machine is, or is there some chance I will lose all my files? I mean what's the worst that could happen realistically?

 

[MacDawg]

I would never advise it without a backup

 

[brand]

If you have to ask that then you shouldn't upgrade until it is GM. Just because it is a public beta does not mean that it is for people that don't have a clue what they are doing.

 

[Erphern]

If you don't have a backup for 10.9, then no, you don't need a backup for 10.10.

If you upgrade to 10.10, then you'll lose your documents in a more cutting edge way.

 

[lowepg]

I don't have a backup hard drive for my MBP 13".. but I really want to try Yosemite (currently still using Mavericks). Do you think I could just upgrade it as my machine is, or is there some chance I will lose all my files? I mean what's the worst that could happen realistically?

Why chance it?

And, you don't need a backup.... Simply carve-out a small piece of your current drive and create a separate partition to safely install the beta. Takes 1 minute.

Google it or look here:
http://www.cultofmac.com/282347/install-yosemite-beta-without-ruining-main-machine/

 

[matreya]

I don't have a backup hard drive for my MBP 13".. but I really want to try Yosemite (currently still using Mavericks). Do you think I could just upgrade it as my machine is, or is there some chance I will lose all my files? I mean what's the worst that could happen realistically?

Go for it, but don't come whining back about losing your files... you're simply asking to lose your files eventually if you don't have a backup...

 

[Small White Car]

I don't have a backup hard drive for my MBP 13

It's not safe to do ANYTHING with your computer. Please turn it off and place it under your bed until you buy a USB drive and turn on Time Machine.

 

[Padmini]

Personally cannot even imagine the thought process that actually leads to this question.

Its unfathomable to me.

 

[anp27]

or is there some chance I will lose all my files?

Yes, it is a beta so there's a very high chance that you could lose all your files. What don't you have a backup? Now that's just asking for it..

 

[Virgo]

Man, half of the people on these boards seem to be smart-alecs with sticks up their asses. From the actual answers I was able to weed out, I'll just wait until the official release. Thanks, I guess?

 

[Menel]

Man, half of the people on these boards seem to be smart-alecs with sticks up their asses. From the actual answers I was able to weed out, I'll just wait until the official release. Thanks, I guess?

What's the worst? corrupt files, and no boot, forcing an OSX Boot Recovery from scratch.

I'm running it on my main machine/partition. Generally ill advised. But I had backups and could have recovered.

Honestly, it's relatively safe. Many have installed without much issue. Just make sure you won't slit your wrist if you lose everything on your hard drive.

 

[MacDawg]

External storage is very inexpensive these days, and with Time Machine and Carbon Copy Cloner, keeping a current backup is seamless and effortless.

Regardless of whether you update to Yosemite or not, you should maintain a current backup. It is the first thing I always suggest for anyone setting up a new computer, whether it is a Mac or Windows (or Linux).

Stuff happens, and when it does, you will be glad you have a backup.
If you think you can't afford a backup, ask yourself if you can afford to lose everything.

*Data storage is always less expensive than data recovery.

 

[Virgo]

External storage is very inexpensive these days, and with Time Machine and Carbon Copy Cloner, keeping a current backup is seamless and effortless.

Regardless of whether you update to Yosemite or not, you should maintain a current backup. It is the first thing I always suggest for anyone setting up a new computer, whether it is a Mac or Windows (or Linux).

Stuff happens, and when it does, you will be glad you have a backup.
If you think you can't afford a backup, ask yourself if you can afford to lose everything.

*Data storage is always less expensive than data recovery.

Thanks, I will definitely look into getting an external drive asap. Any favored brands? I have a 500GB HD on my Mac, so I'm thinking maybe a 1TB drive would be the best way to go, in case I want to throw extra stuff on there?

 

[leman]

I don't even think its safe to own a computer without doing backups. Unless you have no data to lose, then go ahead.

 

[Weaselboy]

Thanks, I will definitely look into getting an external drive asap. Any favored brands? I have a 500GB HD on my Mac, so I'm thinking maybe a 1TB drive would be the best way to go, in case I want to throw extra stuff on there?

Nah... all the drive manufacturers have been bought by or merged with WD or Seagate. They are all pretty much the same. Just get whatever USB3 drive you can find on sale.

Either of these two will do the trick for you. This one or this one. iTB will be plenty.

 

[n-evo]

All I have to say to that is:

YOLO!

 

[JoelBaka]

I got a WD Elements a year ago for about €35-€40, works like a charm
But basically any brand is fine!

But please make a backup, even if everything goes fine it still helps you sleep at night! And I also advice using a separate partition if you want Yosemite PB on your main computer.

I've made a proper Time Machine backup and have all my folders in 'Documents' (the really important stuff in my case) in Dropbox so double backup. And I use separate partitions. Today Yosemite flipped out and I had to erase the partition (or well what was on it) and re-install Yosemite. And even though there were like 3 files on there it still sucked to lose everything. It took me about an hour just to have all my settings the way I like them and all my must-have apps up and running. No biggie, but I'm gonna go buy a 32GB USB stick tomorrow just so I can make backups of my Yosemite partition in case this happens again. (I don't want to use my external HDD, I want my Mavericks backup to be safe and sound untouched by Yosemite 'till it's release time.)

So backup and partitions are the way to go, good luck!

 

[daijholt]

The strangest thing I got was that everything ran fine for nearly 3 weeks, then Yosemite randomly started causing freezes and app crashes that never happened before, despite nothing new being added or removed during the time it was installed.

It basically means, that it could run perfectly forever, never, or somewhat, then randomly and inexplicably break on you. Trials & tribulations of running a beta.

Always back up first, even if it's to something like Dropbox/Google Drive so at least all your important files are safe.