Back up?

[speedycar]

Guys sorry I have been trying to search this but couldnt find anyting.

I am selling my iMac and need to make a complete back up of everything including apps and then have to erase everything so the new owner doesnt have access to anything!!

Where do I start and can I use an external HD to put all the info onto? I have to buy one in this case. Burning 23 DVD`s might take some time......

 

[brn2ski00]

Yes.

Buy an external HDD and if you are using leopard, Time Machine will do all the work. If you are not, just drag and drop anything and everything onto that HDD and do an Erase/Install of the new OS.

Simple.

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

...or use SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cloner to make a bootable clone of your disk, to an external disk, which the migration assistant can use when get a new machine... and then do an erase and install on your current machine before offloading it...

 

[firestarter]

Get an external disk at least as large as your internal.

Use SuperDuper! to replicate your internal disk to external.

This external disk is now bootable! Not only is it a complete copy, but you can also boot off it when you get a new machine (as long as it has the same sort of processor).

I would also make sure I had more than one copy of important files too, before blasting your original disk.

When you delete your computer drive, boot off your original install disk and use one of the security settings (at least write zeros over the whole drive). Then reinstall the OS for them before sale.

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I would also make sure I had more than one copy of important files too, before blasting your original disk.

I'll have to agree with this...if possible, don't get one but two external disks and make two clones (then store one elsewhere, ie. not at home), for maximum security.

 

[speedycar]

Thanks guys, should I go the Fire Wire Drive route??

 

[speedycar]

Will Time Machine make a complete back up of everything on the HD?