Is it possible to replace a hard drive like this?

[Mjmar]

I have a white MacBook, so it's not too hard to replace the hard drive. I want to know if i can back up my computer in its current state using time machine, replace the internal drive, reload the OS with the disc that came with my MacBook, and finally restore my computer to it's EXACT state using the time machine backup. I'm stressing exact because I've had bad luck in the past loosing little things... (iPhone restore) Also, if I do this will it void my warranty?

 

[Sky Blue]

No, it should work fine.

 

[r.j.s]

It will work, and your warranty will be fine.

 

[Mjmar]

Can anybody give a recommendation for an actual drive? I'm not too sure what a good one would be.

 

[r.j.s]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136381

WD Scorpio Blue 500GB

 

[BobZune]

There are several - depending on the size you want. One place to start is http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/ (You want a 2.5 inch SATA drive. 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM will both work, with the later being slightly faster and slightly more power hungry).

 

[Fishrrman]

RE: Is it possible

RE:
"I have a white MacBook, so it's not too hard to replace the hard drive. I want to know if i can back up my computer in its current state using time machine, replace the internal drive, reload the OS with the disc that came with my MacBook, and finally restore my computer to it's EXACT state using the time machine backup"

Why go through all that trouble?

Why not do this instead:
1. Get ahold of SuperDuper (even an unregistered version will work for this)
2. Use SuperDuper to clone the contents of your internal to the external
3. Boot from the external (which now has an exact copy of what is on the internal)
4. Tell SuperDuper to erase the internal and copy the contents of the external _back_ to the internal.

You will now have _2_ bootable copies of your System files and data. No messing with Time Machine (which you CANNOT boot from).

- John

 

[ITASOR]

Instead of reinstalling OS X and THEN restoring from the Time Machine backup, when you boot from the OS X disc there is an option under Utilities called Restore System from Backup. If that's what you meant, sorry.