Replacing hard drive...

[hatrabbit]

Hi all, I'm about to replace the hard drive in a late 2008 unibody Macbook. Please tell me if this will work:

-run a Time Machine backup to my Time Capsule
-create an external recovery usb drive using Recovery Disk Assistant
-install new HD
-boot to the recovery USB
-partition as needed (in preparation for Windows)
-restore Mountain Lion partition from Time Capsule

That should do it, right? Any other advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[mactumors]

That's what I just did with my late 2008 model. It's as easy as you just described.

 

[headviking]

Thinking of doing the same thing here. I have ML but without the disc. I upgraded online with apple. Just to be sure of what I am about to do. First time machine backup my drive create a bootable USB stick and the install my OS, using my online access to apple? is just about right?

 

[Fishrrman]

Seems to me an easier way would be

1. Connect NEW drive to Macbook BEFORE you remove the old one

2. Initialize the NEW drive with Disk Utility, partition as required

3. Use CarbonCopyCloner to clone the OLD (internal) drive to the NEW one. Then TEST the NEW drive before you install it by doing a "switch boot".

4. Do the drive swap.

5. Done.

 

[headviking]

Is there a special cable, other then a sata to USB cable?

 

[Fishrrman]

Is there a special cable, other then a sata to USB cable?

Go to amazon.com (NFI).
In the search box, enter "USB SATA dock".
You will see many choices available.