How to transfer files from MacBook to External?

ilubsmac · Nov 8, 2009

Hi all,

I'm having some trouble. I tried to upgrade my OS from Leopard to Snow Leopard, but the installation always failed. So, someone installed the Leopard OS to an external HD, which I am booting off of, so that I can take all my personal documents from my MacBook and put them on the external. Then, I want to wipe the disk clean using Boot 'n Nuke and install Snow Leopard fresh onto the Macbook.

The problem is I can't transfer my files from the MacBook to the external drive. When I try to create a disk image, it says "Unable to create...image", when I try to just copy the folders off I get some strange error code that tells me to check my disk, which I do using Disk Utility and it always comes out fine. Any advice?

Thanks!

johnyy8 · Nov 8, 2009

Go to open /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility
Try to check permissions for all files.
If there is problem, fix it.

Hope this helps

VegasGeorge · Nov 8, 2009

I've never run the OS off an external HD. But it sounds to me as if the Mac regards the external as the main Macintosh HD, and sees the internal drive as the external. I assume you can see your files in Finder. So, I wouldn't try to create a disk image. I'd just boot up from the external HD, bring up two Finder windows, then copy or drag files to the Macintosh HD. I think that should put them on the external drive.

hagios1972 · Nov 9, 2009

Why not just drag (copy) your documents to an external data HD and when you have wiped out your Mac then just copy them back to your Mac HD?

ilubsmac said:
Hi all,

I'm having some trouble. I tried to upgrade my OS from Leopard to Snow Leopard, but the installation always failed. So, someone installed the Leopard OS to an external HD, which I am booting off of, so that I can take all my personal documents from my MacBook and put them on the external. Then, I want to wipe the disk clean using Boot 'n Nuke and install Snow Leopard fresh onto the Macbook.

The problem is I can't transfer my files from the MacBook to the external drive. When I try to create a disk image, it says "Unable to create...image", when I try to just copy the folders off I get some strange error code that tells me to check my disk, which I do using Disk Utility and it always comes out fine. Any advice?

Thanks!

6string · Nov 9, 2009

I'm still stuck on your original post of "installation failed"... so my question is why and how?
Before I try and assist you in resolving this, I need a little more info! I can't help but be a little suspicious!
Macbook specs?
Install method?
Not really willing to ask more questions before at least getting that info, and I hope that others will follow!

ilubsmac · Nov 9, 2009

Thanks for your responses.

johnyy8 said:
Go to open /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility
Try to check permissions for all files.
If there is problem, fix it.

Hope this helps

I did this, and the Disk Utility showed a green sign that said the Mac HD was OK.

vegasgeorge said:
copy or drag files to the Macintosh HD. I think that should put them on the external drive.

I tried doing this also but I get an error code. I'm going to take this to the Apple Store tomorrow to see if they have any advice.

ilubsmac · Nov 10, 2009

Update from the Mac store: They're replacing my hard drive since it was apparently faulty. Thanks for all your help.