Putting old HDD running OSX into new MBP?

Background:

I upgraded my MacBook's HDD 6 months ago, 500GB. Bought a refurb Feb 2011 MBP 13 and it has the 320GB HDD as standard.

Basically I just want to stick my 500GB HDD from the old MacBook into the MBP 13 and wondering if it will boot fine and can use it without any reinstall, hassle, etc.

IT might work but is not ideal

Have you got a time machine back-up of the old MBP, a reinstall with the 500 GB hard drive in the new machine and a restore from TM back-up would be a better idea

It is probably set up for the old MB's hardware config. You want to do a clean install as suggested.

n4mespace said:

Background:

I upgraded my MacBook's HDD 6 months ago, 500GB. Bought a refurb Feb 2011 MBP 13 and it has the 320GB HDD as standard.

Basically I just want to stick my 500GB HDD from the old MacBook into the MBP 13 and wondering if it will boot fine and can use it without any reinstall, hassle, etc.

Click to expand...

First thing to consider is what OS version is on that old HD (500 gig)...and what is the minimum OS version required for the Feb 2011 computer? If the min. OS version required on the new computer is newer than the OS version on the old HD (500gig)...then the HD swap probably won't work.

You CAN use the 500gig in the new computer...but you will have to reinstall the OS with the version required for the new computer.

- Nick

Oh, should mention another reason I want to do this is: The Feb 2011 is a refurb with Snow Leopard, my MacBook is Lion.

I've found a 500GB external HDD, so what I will do is back the MacBook up to that, put it into the Pro, then restore.

Thanks!