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General discussion

Free back up software for OS X 10.4

Apr 29, 2008 9:07AM PDT

I?m looking for a free back up software for my mac, and want to know what to use. I?m going to have to be able to reinstall my OS and files after a new hard disk, I?m using OS X 10.4

Thanks!

LaptopLover46 Happy

Discussion is locked

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Backup Software
Apr 29, 2008 1:19PM PDT

Take a look under the Apple menu at Mac OS X software.

Where are you planning on storing the data, not the system, during the surgery?

Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper will clone your HD but you will need a working OS to place the clone on the new drive.

That said, you will need a working system to to use the backup software too.

If you are not planning on carrying this iBook around, have you considered an external, Firewire, drive as an alternative to surgery?

P

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The Plot Thickens?
May 1, 2008 9:29AM PDT

I Am Planning To Use It Away From The Desk?

I will back up my data to an external firewire drive.

I do NOT have to OS DVDs ? can I install OS 10.0 or higher THEN restore my backed up data and OS??

LaptopLover46 Happy

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Hmmm,
May 1, 2008 12:12PM PDT

You can do that, but only if the backup software that you used in the first place is capable of running under the OS that you do have the CD/DVD installation disks for.

On second thoughts, you would have to have backed up the ENTIRE disk, as in a CLONE, for your method to work.
I doubt very much that you can install 10.0 and then, using your backups, get the machine up to 10.3 or so.
That would mean replacing most of the Operating System and is not likely to be a project that a regular backup could handle.
Remember that there are thousands of files on the Hard Drive that you cannot see and that must be there for the system to operate.

As I mentioned before, backups are normally for data and not the OS because you have to install the OS for the backup to work.

One wonders why you do not have the install disks for the OS that you are currently using. Perhaps one should not pry to deeply into the question.

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New Angle
May 2, 2008 9:51AM PDT

First, I Bought The Laptop off of ebay? seller had up-to-date OS but did not want to give away a $150 - $200 disc? never thought I?d need it.

Second, Would it be easier to buy the new hard drive and then transfer via USB to ATA adapter? And How?

LaptopLover46 Happy

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Whichever way you slice it,
May 2, 2008 1:34PM PDT

you will need the installation disks for OS X 10.x.x

There really is no other way around it other than to clone the drive before you start to dismantle the iBook.

For that you will need:
1. The new drive
2. A firewire enclosure into which you will place the new drive
3. A copy of Carbon Copy cloner (this is free)
or
3a. A copy of Super Duper. (This is not free).

Clone the old drive to the new drive.
Take the old drive out of the iBook and insert the new.

Boot up the machine.

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is how we do that!

Happy

Of course, you could always purchase a copy of OS X 10.3 and be done with all the messing

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CC vs. SD
May 3, 2008 9:10AM PDT

1. What one do YOU like best Clone or Super?
2. IF I use Super Duper Should I Get The FREE Download or the Paid one...do I need the extras in the paid one?

We are nearing the end......

LaptopLover46 Happy

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I have had success
May 3, 2008 12:54PM PDT

with CCC so the choice is really yours.

If the Free download will do everything that you want it to, and be very certain that it does before you commit, then go for it.

Remember that you will still have the original drive at the end of the day and unless you do something really silly with it, all your data will be intact and just be waiting for you.

Good luck

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Thanks!
May 4, 2008 8:53AM PDT

I Will Keep You Posted On How It Works...

Now I'll Go Buy The Hard Drive...

LaptopLover46 Happy

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Bated breath,
May 4, 2008 9:18AM PDT

waiting, we are

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