I am looking to upgrade my operating system and was all set to do a clean install, but then someone told me on Apple's community forums that there is no point doing a clean install unless you are selling your mac. He said just to do a regular upgrade instead. Which is better? I have had problems with iMac freezing no apparent reason so thought doing a clean install might help.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Is it better to do a clean install of a new operating system or just update the current one?
- Thread starter ToddJ
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I have never felt the need for a clean install
Then again, I've never really experienced any problems with my systems
I wouldn't do a clean install unless I was experiencing some significant issue that *might* be resolved with a clean install
I would say, try the straight upgrade first and see how it works for you
If you are having an issue, then consider a clean install
I know some swear by it
Others refute the notion
Just choose what works best for you
Then again, I've never really experienced any problems with my systems
I wouldn't do a clean install unless I was experiencing some significant issue that *might* be resolved with a clean install
I would say, try the straight upgrade first and see how it works for you
If you are having an issue, then consider a clean install
I know some swear by it
Others refute the notion
Just choose what works best for you
This is sound advice. If your iMac is freezing up, see if it clears up w/ the upgrade to the newer OS first. If it's still happening, then try a clean install. Be sure to back up or sync your files.
I always do a clean install. It's an opportunity to start again with only the base programs I actually use, and get rid of all the things-which-looked-a-good-idea-at-the-time-but-which-I-never-use-now and which waste space (and in some cases take up cpu/memory).