How to transfer OS x to SSD.

[Sam254]

Hi,

I have a 27'' IMac Mid 2011 It currently has the standard HDD in it & I'm going to install a new SSD.
I would going to keep both drives in the computer as I would like to use the HDD for storing music, pictures etc.
But on the SSD I would like to have the OS on it. How do I go about transferring the OS x from the old HDD to the new SSD?
Really would appreciate any advice!

Thanks.
Sam.

 

[simonsi]

1. Backup your HDD
2. Install the SSD
3. Use Carbon Copy Cloner to clone the HDD to the SSD
4. Select the SSD as the boot drive, restart
5. Backup the SSD
6. Once you are happy, re-use the HDD as you wish (erase, format etc)

 

[Sam254]

1. Backup your HDD
2. Install the SSD
3. Use Carbon Copy Cloner to clone the HDD to the SSD
4. Select the SSD as the boot drive, restart
5. Backup the SSD
6. Once you are happy, re-use the HDD as you wish (erase, format etc)

Thanks Simon, will I be able to use CCC to copy just the OS over? If so, how?
Thanks.

 

[simonsi]

CCC will default to selecting everything, if you wish you can deselect (untick) individual folders (such as Pictures, Documents etc). CCC will warn you if deselecting anything will render the clone non-bootable.

However I would recommend you CCC everything across to prevent strange issues, then manually copy media (iTunes Media Folder for instance) back and point iTunes at the media folder on the HDD.

I run like this and it means I end up with a tidy and clear folder structure on the HDD media drive without my music, media and photo library sitting buried in a useless clone of the OS folder structure.

 

[Sam254]

CCC will default to selecting everything, if you wish you can deselect (untick) individual folders (such as Pictures, Documents etc). CCC will warn you if deselecting anything will render the clone non-bootable.

However I would recommend you CCC everything across to prevent strange issues, then manually copy media (iTunes Media Folder for instance) back and point iTunes at the media folder on the HDD.

I run like this and it means I end up with a tidy and clear folder structure on the HDD media drive without my music, media and photo library sitting buried in a useless clone of the OS folder structure.

Ok thanks.
Once I've copied everything over to the SSD and booted from it. Would it be worth formatting the HDD and then copying & pasting the files I want on to it? If so how would you do that?
Sorry about all the questions new to modifying macs.

Thanks

 

[simonsi]

Yes that is how I would do it. Easy to then point iTunes and iPhoto to the libraries and media folder on the HDD via their prefs.