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Clean install on external SSD drive
- Thread starter Monkton
- Start date
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If you want it clean, then yes. Wipe it to APFS, download Mojave, then point the installer at the SSD and let it do its thing.
OK, first, "Wipe it to APFS" – the options I get on trying to erase are:
– Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
– Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled)
– MS-DOS (FAT)
– ExFAT
Which is right?
Next, "download Mojave" – where from? It's not available in Apple Store.
– Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
– Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled)
– MS-DOS (FAT)
– ExFAT
Which is right?
Next, "download Mojave" – where from? It's not available in Apple Store.
macOS Mojave
MacOS Mojave delivers new features inspired by its most powerful users, but designed for everyone. Stay focused on your work using Dark Mode. Organize your desktop using Stacks. Experience four new built-in apps. And discover new apps in the reimagined Mac App Store.
Dark Mode • Experience a...
apps.apple.com
– Mac OS Extended (Journaled). It should be converted to APFS during install.
macOS Mojave
MacOS Mojave delivers new features inspired by its most powerful users, but designed for everyone. Stay focused on your work using Dark Mode. Organize your desktop using Stacks. Experience four new built-in apps. And discover new apps in the reimagined Mac App Store. Dark Mode • Experience a...
It won't let me download it because I am on Catalina. I want to put Mojave on a USB drive to run a particular 32-bit app.
Axeman -
Try this (read carefully).
First, prepare your external USB drive.
Erase it to Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format.
Let it be for the moment (connected, but not doing anything).
Now, turn your attention to getting your Mac booted to "the right recovery mode".
I believe you want to power down, ALL THE WAY OFF.
Now, reboot and IMMEDIATELY hold down the following key combination and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN for a while:
Shift-command-OPTION-R
(yes, I realize it's a "finger contortion")
What this should do is boot you into a recovery mode that will install the version of the Mac OS that came pre-installed on your Mac.
Hopefully, this was NOT Catalina.
IMPORTANT:
Of course, you DO NOT want to install this to your internal drive.
So....
Begin the install procedure, but watch carefully for the moment the installer gives you the option to "show all disks".
NOW you want to "point the installer" towards your USB drive, so that the OS install will go onto it.
Are you able to do this?
If so, go through with the install.
When the install is done, you should now be booted to the USB drive (in Mojave).
Go through a basic setup, get it set up the way you want.
That's how I'd try to do it.
Try this (read carefully).
First, prepare your external USB drive.
Erase it to Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format.
Let it be for the moment (connected, but not doing anything).
Now, turn your attention to getting your Mac booted to "the right recovery mode".
I believe you want to power down, ALL THE WAY OFF.
Now, reboot and IMMEDIATELY hold down the following key combination and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN for a while:
Shift-command-OPTION-R
(yes, I realize it's a "finger contortion")
What this should do is boot you into a recovery mode that will install the version of the Mac OS that came pre-installed on your Mac.
Hopefully, this was NOT Catalina.
IMPORTANT:
Of course, you DO NOT want to install this to your internal drive.
So....
Begin the install procedure, but watch carefully for the moment the installer gives you the option to "show all disks".
NOW you want to "point the installer" towards your USB drive, so that the OS install will go onto it.
Are you able to do this?
If so, go through with the install.
When the install is done, you should now be booted to the USB drive (in Mojave).
Go through a basic setup, get it set up the way you want.
That's how I'd try to do it.