Time Machine, External Drives, and Bootability

gizmo8899 · gizmo8899 #1 (**permalink**)

03-15-2012, 06:35 PM

...Not sure bootability is a word, but I'll explain.

I have a MacBook Pro 2.66GHz. I was told by the Apple store that its hard drive is dying, but I really don't have time to drop it off. I have everything backed up, but the computer is otherwise fine, and what I'd like to do is this:

Purchase an external drive (preferably ~500GB) and create a bootable copy of my drive on there. Likewise, I'd like to start using Time Machine and be able to plug it into that drive each night so it saves everything.

My questions are:
1) Is this a good idea?
2) If I create a bootable clone, will it be simple to activate? For example, let's say my computer is dead now... How do I boot it up using the external drive?
3) Can I use Time Machine and the bootable clone together, or are they separate?
4) Will I be able to save all my applications (including obscure ones in Dashboard, along with ones I no longer have the disks for)?

Thanks!

harryb2448 · harryb2448 #2 (**permalink**)

03-15-2012, 06:55 PM

Yes however use SuperDuper or CarbonCopyCloner to clone to external which will then be bootable. Time Machine is not bootable. You boot from an external by going into System preferences and selecting in Startup Disk or by holding the Option key immediately after the chime using a wired keyboard.

All aplications will be saved by cloning. It make a perfect copy of your current drive.

chas_m · chas_m #3 (**permalink**)

03-15-2012, 07:22 PM

Well ... "perfect" may not turn out to be true. It depends on why the drive needs to be replaced in the first place. Presumably it's because it is failing, which means a clone may not be able to be completed and only the Time Machine backup will be able to restore (because it's only backing up the small changes that are happening now, not the whole drive).

Just sayin'.

gizmo8899 · gizmo8899 #4 (**permalink**)

03-15-2012, 07:32 PM

Could you give more details on how I'll boot up the clone? I'm asking now because I don't want to have to go to a net cafe to log onto Mac-Forums and ask then while waiting for a response if/when my drive does go. :p

I've had a hard drive fail in the past, and nothing happens when I start the computer. Let's say the HD is totally dead, the computer turned off, the external plugged in, and the clone established... What steps will I take to get to boot up with the clone?

I saw another thread on how to make the clone, and I have Carbon Copier now. Really appreciate the advice, guys.

Slydude · Slydude #5 (**permalink**)

03-15-2012, 07:43 PM

This article should clear things up Starting from an external USB storage device (Intel-based Macs)

harryb2448 #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 28, 2007 Location: Nambucca Heads Australia Posts: 14,262 Mac Specs: iMac i5 2.7GHz OS X.8.3	03-15-2012, 06:55 PM Yes however use SuperDuper or CarbonCopyCloner to clone to external which will then be bootable. Time Machine is not bootable. You boot from an external by going into System preferences and selecting in Startup Disk or by holding the Option key immediately after the chime using a wired keyboard. All aplications will be saved by cloning. It make a perfect copy of your current drive. *Hang on to those original install discs like grim death! Using OS X.7 or later make a bootable USB thumb drive before running Installer!*
	QUOTE Thanks

Slydude #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 15, 2009 Location: North Louisiana, USA Posts: 4,024 Mac Specs: 2.8 GHz MacBook Pro 10.8,3 8 GB mem, 2.66 GHz Mac Pro - Dead, iPhone 4	03-15-2012, 07:43 PM This article should clear things up Starting from an external USB storage device (Intel-based Macs) Sylvester Roque Former Contributing Editor About This Particular Macintosh No matter what time it is where I am it's early morning somewhere in the world. At that hour of the morning follow my advice at your own risk. Anything sounds good before your first cup of coffee
	QUOTE Thanks

Time Machine, External Drives, and Bootability

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gizmo8899 #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Aug 24, 2010 Posts: 83	03-15-2012, 06:35 PM ...Not sure bootability is a word, but I'll explain. I have a MacBook Pro 2.66GHz. I was told by the Apple store that its hard drive is dying, but I really don't have time to drop it off. I have everything backed up, but the computer is otherwise fine, and what I'd like to do is this: Purchase an external drive (preferably ~500GB) and create a bootable copy of my drive on there. Likewise, I'd like to start using Time Machine and be able to plug it into that drive each night so it saves everything. My questions are: 1) Is this a good idea? 2) If I create a bootable clone, will it be simple to activate? For example, let's say my computer is dead now... How do I boot it up using the external drive? 3) Can I use Time Machine and the bootable clone together, or are they separate? 4) Will I be able to save all my applications (including obscure ones in Dashboard, along with ones I no longer have the disks for)? Thanks!
	QUOTE Thanks

gizmo8899 #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Aug 24, 2010 Posts: 83	03-15-2012, 07:32 PM Could you give more details on how I'll boot up the clone? I'm asking now because I don't want to have to go to a net cafe to log onto Mac-Forums and ask then while waiting for a response if/when my drive does go. :p I've had a hard drive fail in the past, and nothing happens when I start the computer. Let's say the HD is totally dead, the computer turned off, the external plugged in, and the clone established... What steps will I take to get to boot up with the clone? I saw another thread on how to make the clone, and I have Carbon Copier now. Really appreciate the advice, guys.
	QUOTE Thanks

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