How Can I Take a Snapshot of Current Settings?

[TSP Tech]

I am a tech but new to working on Mac computers. Is it possible to take a snapshot of the users current settings and files to be restored at a later point? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Time Machine can help. It is included with Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6.
Identify your Mac and Mac OS X version
You can also use CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper to make a 1:1 copy to an external HDD.

 

[sportster]

I've used Time Machine to restore my iMac when I had an idiot no-no moment on my computer.

You only issue with multiple computers is each would need a drive to back up to. I have read people setting Time Machine up on a shared network drive to. But, I do not have any experience with that.

 

[TSP Tech]

Thanks

His version is definitely before 10.5. His machine is 6 or 7 years old and I don't have the machine here I am working remotely and he has it off right now. So the only way to restore would be an external clone or backup?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

His version is definitely before 10.5. His machine is 6 or 7 years old and I don't have the machine here I am working remotely and he has it off right now. So the only way to restore would be an external clone or backup?

Yes, a clone would work best. Or you just copy the user folder via Finder, called Home Directory and located in Macintosh HD / Users / YOU and that would at least save the personal data and preferences and settings and mail and so on. The applications (programs) are stored inside Macintosh HD / Applications and need to be copied separately if one uses Finder.
CarbonCopyCloner provides versions for Mac OS X 10.2 and 10.3 and for 10.4 and 10.5. and 10.6. (http://www.bombich.com/download.html)
10.3 should be the release on the friend's machine, if he didn't update to a newer version, which could be up to Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, which includes Time Machine.

 

[TSP Tech]

Thanks

Thanks you have given me alot of good information.