Format MacBook Pro information request

[fireman0174]

I want to “reformat” (wipe it clean) my MacBook Pro.

About this Mac:

• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)
• OS Mojave 10.14.4
• Processor: 3.1 GHz Intel Core i7
• Memory: 16 GB 1867 MHz DDR
• 1TB flash storage

I’m in the process of saving data, etc. to a pair of external drives. (One primary backup and one backup to the backup).

Looking for directions and guidance for this project.

Also, anything special about reformatting the “flash storage”.

My knowledge level is perhaps light to medium. I know just enough to make some stupid mistakes and omissions. Hence, this post.

If my e-mail is needed, let me know.

In advance, THANKS!!

 

[Rod]

First thing I would do is download Carbon Copy Cloner and use one of you external HD' to make a bootable clone of your existing internal drive. You can get a fee fully functional 30 day trial version from Bombich Software here. Mac Backup Software | Carbon Copy Cloner | Bombich Software


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[pm-r]

I want to “reformat” (wipe it clean) my MacBook Pro.

I don't know why or what your reasons are for doing so, but the first thing to do is as Rod suggested and get a backup using CCC. Also check it and make sure it works as a bootable device.

Then check out Apple's KB article for how to prepare your Mac for a new user as if you were selling it. Almost the same thing.
prepare your Mac for a new user
prepare your Mac for a new user - Google Search

You can also boot from your Recovery HD and use its Restore feature and Disk Utility Erase options.

Don't forget that solid-state drives (SSDs) should NOT be super wiped Or zeroed out (secure erased).

BTW: What are your reasons for doing a Nuke and Pave on your Mac???



- Patrick
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[Rod]

There are a few ways to erase and reformat as you can see but in the end having a clone to restore from is a big advantage.
But you didn't say why you wanted to do this. If for example you are having serious software issues there may be easier ways of solving the problem.
If you just want a clean start then erasing and restoring from a clone is definitely the way to go.
I do not mean putting everything back as it was but using the clone as a source for dragging and dropping what you want like your Photos Library, iTunes/ Music library, Documents etc back onto your clean new macOS.
The big advantage is that with a clone you will not find you've forgotten to copy something because everything will be on the clone in the same place as it was on your internal HDD/SSD before.
I do this every couple of years to get rid of accumulated data that slows my device and takes up storage and at each new computer rather than just reverse cloning my old device onto the new one.


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[pm-r]

I do this every couple of years to get rid of accumulated data that slows my device and takes up storage and at each new computer rather than just reverse cloning my old device onto the new one.

Even doing a reverse cloning can help, especially if there is fair bit of fragmentation that the OS is not able to completely fix. And even using CCC will skip a lot of surplus un-needed junk as well and will result in a much cleaner, smoother and usually faster running OS. And save a LOT of surplus work, both for the user as well as the equipment.



- Patrick
======

 

[Rod]

Agreed, that's what I do with my wife's MBP but selectively restoring is a great way to thin out stuff I didn't really need.

 

[fireman0174]

The answers to my post on this thread have been a great help for my project.

There are two prime reasons that I want to accomplish the reformat:

(1) As stated in this thread, "I do this every couple of years to get rid of accumulated data that slows my device and takes up storage and at each new computer rather than just reverse cloning my old device onto the new one."

(2) I'm considering the purchase of a new iMac as a prime machine. While the MacBook Pro is connected to an external monitor, and very useful, I just miss the iMac. However, I have to figure how to get my wife to agree that we must have a new iMac. A hill to climb!

The MacBook Pro replaced an older iMac which was given to my grandchildren. The oldest, 8 years old, is becoming quite a whiz on it and has found some programs to assist her with her schoolwork. I'm glad to see my son and daughter-in-law put time limits on its use.

I purchased "Carbon Copy Cleaner" after test-driving the free program. Besides my MacBook Pro, I have a MacBook Air, while my wife also has a MacBook Pro. Appears to be a great program for our three machines.

Thanks for everything!!!

 

[Rod]

Great. Glad to be of help. You're welcome to get back to us at any time.


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