How do I install the OS on a new hard drive? Other noob questions.

[rick619]

I bought a Mac Book Pro 2009 from a friend and want to put a new hard in and start with a clean install. This is my first Mac, so not familiar with the process. My friend already backed up his data, don't need to save anything.

I have worked as a Network Admin for many years, so I know how to physically replace the hard drive. Just need to know how to get the OS on the disk. I've already created an admin account on the Macbook. Mostly wondering if I just need to burn a disk image to a flash drive and boot to it? Do I need a license key? If so, where can I find it.

OS: Which Mac OS is suggested? I will put in an SSD. When it's open, I'll see if I have more RAM for it (assuming it can take RAM from a PC laptop). It has 4GB now, might be able to do 6 or 8GB.

Thanks for any help.

 

[ferrarr]

Well, the only legal way to put any version of Mac OS X onto the MacBook Pro, would be to purchase a Snow Leopard disc from Apple. Or eBay if you want a used version.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

You can check out ifixit.com, https://www.ifixit.com/, for great repair guides for Macs of all types. And also look at everymac.com, https://everymac.com/, to identify your model and see the complete specs along with possible upgrade options.

If you already have a version of Mac OS X/OS X/macOS on the MBP, then you will need to create an Apple ID and use the macOS App Store, to get newer versions of the macOS. Depending on which version is already installed on there, and since the device is 9 years old, I believe El Capitan, is the most up to date version of OS X that will run on that MBP.

https://everymac.com/

 

[rick619]

Yes, it is El Capitan 10.11.6.

I did create an Apple ID when I logged for the first time. Does that mean I can do a clean install?

 

[ferrarr]

Since El Capitan is already installed, you can boot into Recovery, launch Disk Utility, and erase the drive. Then. You can reinstall El Capitan.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201314

 

[pm-r]

And just some additional information from Apple:
How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery
https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204904


PS: it sure doesn't hurt to have a separate bootable backup drive handy. Just in case. Text







- Patrick
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[rick619]

Since El Capitan is already installed, you can boot into Recovery, launch Disk Utility, and erase the drive. Then. You can reinstall El Capitan.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201314

If I want to use a different hard drive (SSD), can I use a USB drive to make a bootable El Capitan installer?

 

[ferrarr]

Yes, you will need to create a bootable USB installer. You will need to download the OS X/macOS version into your Applications folder, and also a 8GB (or larger) USB flash/thumb drive. Look for Install OS X El Capitan, in your Applications folder, if it is already there, you should be good to go.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

 

[rick619]

Yes, you will need to create a bootable USB installer. You will need to download the OS X/macOS version into your Applications folder, and also a 8GB (or larger) USB flash/thumb drive. Look for Install OS X El Capitan, in your Applications folder, if it is already there, you should be good to go.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

I was able to login to the app store and download the El Capitan image and I have a flash drive I can use, will use the instructions above.

So it won't need an installation/registration key? I just want to make sure I don't need anything from the old hard drive before I remove it.

 

[ferrarr]

No, Apple does not require registration of an OS, they're included with the Mac.

 

[rick619]

No, Apple does not require registration of an OS, they're included with the Mac.

Ok, great. I guess that makes sense since you can't really build your own like the PC world.

 

[MacInWin]

Apple will, when you install it, ask for your Apple ID. At that point Apple associates that installation to your Apple ID. Not a big issue, but when/if you decide to sell or give away the machine you will need to take some steps to disassociate that installation from your Apple ID. (Basically, reinstall but not create any users.)

 

[rick619]

I got it installed, definitely an easy install. I ended up trying Linux Mint first. That worked ok, but getting the wireless driver was a minor hassle.

The MBP '09 runs pretty well with an SSD. Thought I had RAM, but didn't realize the 4GB included was 2 X 2GB and not 1 X 4GB. Had one 4GB stick, but the wrong speed. I'm also impressed that El Capitan only takes 16GB of disk space. That's pretty slim!

This is my first experience with a MAC since the late 90's. Definitely more similar to Linux than Windows. Nice to have the 'real' terminal command line.

Thanks for the help!