Need help - Macbook won't boot and I need to backup data

[mmehtas]

Hi,

First, I am a Windows user and new to Macbooks. My 2 year old Macbook was running very slow and took forever to boot or do anything. After searching, I tried repairing permissions etc and ultimately the computer won't boot at all. It's just stuck on the Apple logo. I am running the latest version of Mac OS 10.6.x.

I can boot from the original install disk and the hard disk is fine. I know that I need to reinstall the OS, but I don't have a backup and need to make sure I don't lose my photos.

Is there a way to install the OS to an external drive and use the Migration Assistant to copy over the settings and data? I could then wipe the HD clean and install a fresh copy of the OS on the Macbook and then migrate the settings and data back from the external HD?

Can anyone help me with the steps to do this or suggest another method?

Thanks

MM

 

[sporadicMotion]

Hi,

First, I am a Windows user and new to Macbooks. My 2 year old Macbook was running very slow and took forever to boot or do anything. After searching, I tried repairing permissions etc and ultimately the computer won't boot at all. It's just stuck on the Apple logo. I am running the latest version of Mac OS 10.6.x.

I can boot from the original install disk and the hard disk is fine. I know that I need to reinstall the OS, but I don't have a backup and need to make sure I don't lose my photos.

Is there a way to install the OS to an external drive and use the Migration Assistant to copy over the settings and data? I could then wipe the HD clean and install a fresh copy of the OS on the Macbook and then migrate the settings and data back from the external HD?

Can anyone help me with the steps to do this or suggest another method?

Thanks

MM

You should be able to do that. Just plug the drive in and select in during install. Some Macs won't let you do this but I'm pretty sure the '08 will.

 

[mmehtas]

Thanks!

I am pretty sure I know how to install the OS on the ext hd. I need some help with the steps to transfer the data and settings from my Mac hd to the ext hd once this is done. Also, once I wipe and reinstall the OS on tha MacBook, I need the steps to migrate the settings and data from the ext hd.

Appreciate a detailed how-to as I am a newbie to the Mac world.