How do I Install OSX Lion on a brand new SSD?

[johann1228]

I just ordered 8GB RAM and a 160GB Intel 320 Series SSD for my 2010 Macbook Pro 13" and a USB SATA Enclosure.

I plan to make my current 250GB Hitachi HDD into an external HD for old files with the enclosure.

I want some help with the following things:

(a) How to install OSX Lion on my new SSD with either a USB, DVD, or my current HD (I don't want to clone so it'll be "clean" nor do I want to use the AppStore download because of slow and intermittent internet)

(b) How to turn my current drive (soon-to-be "old") into a back-up drive (Like a flash drive, without the OS files, since I won't be booting up from it anymore)

(c) What tweaks would be good at optimizing my Macbook Pro's performance? Like disabling spotlight indexing and disabling dashboard? Which programs I can live without like Garageband and X11 and how to remove them?



-Johann

comics sans ms ftw HAHA!

[satcomer]

How to make a bootable Lion install disc or drive

[johann1228]

ohhh thanks

[east85]

Hey, I had a similar question and received a very informative reply. Please check the second post in my topic, the guides will surely help you with the process. Good luck!

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1323059

[johann1228]

Okay, so can you tell me exactly how to install OSX Lion?

From my very low technical experience, this is what I understood:


Using USB
1. I make a "bootable" USB or DVD. If I got the right file, is it around 3.7GB? Am I looking at the right file?

2. I plug in my new SSD as a USB External Drive.

3. I hold 'option' while rebooting.

4. Then what?

Can I use my current HD to install directly into an External Drive?

1. Plug in new SSD as a USB External Drive.

2. Start OSX Lion Installer on my current system and install to that (External) drive? Will the list of attached drives show up if I'm already on Lion? Will the installer even start?

3. Then what?


Thanks to anyone who can help a newbie out.

[jhb1608]

I have the Macbook Air (early 2008). I wondered if it is possible to upgrade to the bigger SSD hard drive via USB first because if I replace, I cannot install it unless I do the USB part then I won't have any issues installing. Should I do the SSD harddrive hooked up to USB port and install Lion in the different harddrive first, then replace the harddrive? I know there is the risk.

[eeclipse16]

Originally Posted by johann1228

Okay, so can you tell me exactly how to install OSX Lion?

From my very low technical experience, this is what I understood:


Using USB
1. I make a "bootable" USB or DVD. If I got the right file, is it around 3.7GB? Am I looking at the right file?

2. I plug in my new SSD as a USB External Drive.

3. I hold 'option' while rebooting.

4. Then what?

Can I use my current HD to install directly into an External Drive?

1. Plug in new SSD as a USB External Drive.

2. Start OSX Lion Installer on my current system and install to that (External) drive? Will the list of attached drives show up if I'm already on Lion? Will the installer even start?

3. Then what?


Thanks to anyone who can help a newbie out.

http://youtu.be/SHg0Scelxrc
That should help you.