best way to back up and safely wipe the disk?

[MattyMac]

Apple is replacing my current notebook with a new Mbp. I have never had to do this, but what is the best way to backup and then SAFELY wipe the computer. I won't have the two notebooks at the same time, but I do have a 250gb external lacie harddrive.

 

[TEG]

I would say just copy your User Folder to your external HD and any apps you have added. Then insert your restore disc. Restart the computer, hold C, then after selecting language, click on the Utilities Menu, then select your HD and go to Erase, then click on Options, and select "write 0s to Disk". Click Erase and enjoy. Once done, simply Quit Disk Utility then reinstall the OS (just so it will boot when they get it).

TEG

 

[SpookyLars]

Much simpler solution is to use a tool called SuperDuper!.

 

[MattyMac]

Much simpler solution is to use a tool called SuperDuper!.

Thanks, but I think I would rather use something similar to TEG's conventional method.

 

[alphaod]

Thanks, but I think I would rather use something similar to TEG's conventional method.

Also with the conventional method, you can go and do a 'Wipe Free Space' once in a while if you have porn and such that you recently deleted so your spouse will never find it.

 

[MattyMac]

I sort of did it a backwards way. I copied the folders I needed, not the entire user folder to my external harddrive.

If I copied my entire iPhoto library to the external hd, will I be able to put that on my new mac in the pictures folder and have it work the same as it did on my current mac?

 

[sushi]

I would say just copy your User Folder to your external HD and any apps you have added. Then insert your restore disc. Restart the computer, hold C, then after selecting language, click on the Utilities Menu, then select your HD and go to Erase, then click on Options, and select "write 0s to Disk". Click Erase and enjoy. Once done, simply Quit Disk Utility then reinstall the OS (just so it will boot when they get it).

I agree except the highlighted portion.

I would suggest using Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) or SuperDuper to clone the internal HD to his external HD.

Once done, he can boot from the external and use his MacBook while he is writing Zero's to the internal HD.