I just got my new MBP 2.4 and am pondering whether or not i should reinstall OS X. I want to do it so i can get my own custom install on the computer but it is perfect right now and I dont want to mess it up. Ive heard that some people's MBP's got finicky after the reinstall. What do people think?
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To reinstall or not to reinstall?
- Thread starter cmeriptahoe
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I'd just use the pre-installed version of Mac OS X, why would you want to reinstall? You can delete the apps and get back the space if you're thinking about saving hard drive space.
It will let you get rid of foreign languages and unwanted font's and printer drivers as well as other things. Remember deleting the App does not get rid of all traces.
Once you have done your first reinstall you will feel more confident knowing that it can easily be done if something dreadful happens .. 
It won't mess up your MacBook Pro, I've done a reinstalls before and I haven't had anything bad happen.
I've formatted my 2.33GHz C2D MBP literally like 10 times (don't ask why so many times; not important) and it's really an easy process. I will say this though, it is a time-consuming process depending on how big your drive is and how you format it. I have the 120 or 160 GB HDD (can't remember now to be honest) and when I zero out the data it takes a good hour to do so. Then you have to re-install OS X (another hour), then you have to set up your preferences, do all of the software updates, etc so you're looking at a good 3 hours total time if you know what you're doing.
I say GO FOR IT only because it's a good learning experience (and I take it you have no important files on your MBP yet to lose), you get to do a custom install (and not install all those ***** trial applications grrrrr, and save some space).
I say GO FOR IT only because it's a good learning experience (and I take it you have no important files on your MBP yet to lose), you get to do a custom install (and not install all those ***** trial applications grrrrr, and save some space).
just use monolingual to get rid of languages, keyboard layouts etc... http://monolingual.sourceforge.net/
saved me a few gb.
saved me a few gb.
A complete waste of time. Not only is it unnecessary and pointless, reinstalling OSX is not a "skill" that you need to learn. The chances that you ever actually need to do it in the future are almost nil.
Every Mac that I ever owned I re-installed the OS. It always seems to me that that all computers including Macs are a little buggy from the factory. I also format and install every 6 months to a year to keep my computers in great shape. It really depends on how much the computer is used, since the G5 is used most every 6 months while my iMac about once a year.
My Windows machine I have probably formatted 7 or 8 times in the last two years.
My Windows machine I have probably formatted 7 or 8 times in the last two years.
its easy, however im not sure how you get the option to not install fonts and programs as when i reinstalled tiger i didnt see this option only archive, wipe clean and install fresh or upgrade
Because you can simply drag them to the trash?
I advise against throwing away printer drivers anyway, especially on a laptop. You never know when you're going to be in a place where you can use them. And with mass storage being so cheap, why bother?
A couple of ideas I've never understood was the one that factory pre-installs can be "a little buggy" (evidence, please!) or that reinstalling OSX on a regular basis accomplishes anything that can't be accomplished more easily some other way.
I hate to keep using myself as an example, but this is what I know from experience: Of my three current Macs, the newest is now nearly four years old, and the oldest is seven years old, and none of them have ever been reinstalled, not once, and they are all used every day all day. Reinstall every six months? Unimaginable!
Can someone explain to me how to reinstall OSX without installing all the programs that came with it? Or choosing wich gets installed and wich doesn't.
Thanks
Thanks