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OS install question when upgrading HD in late 2008 MBP

T

tirexstorm

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 22, 2007
157
21
I currently have a late 2008 Macbook Pro running Mavericks that I use as a spare computer. I was thinking about upgrading to an SSD. If I put a new drive in, can I install Mavericks directly onto the drive (with a bootable USB flash drive) or do I have to install Snow Leopard again and then upgrade through the App Store? I lost my SL disks, so I am looking for an alternative.
 
Yes of course! You can install any version the same or later than the one that came with your computer
 
Followup question:

Can I install the new drive into my computer, then use the bootable USB drive to do the install, or do I need to use put the drive in an external case first, do the install, then swap out drives?
 
tirexstorm said:
Followup question:

Can I install the new drive into my computer, then use the bootable USB drive to do the install, or do I need to use put the drive in an external case first, do the install, then swap out drives?
Click to expand...

You can install from the USB to either an enclosure, or the installed drive.

Just double check your USB drive boots before you take anything apart!
 
Backup you existing drive into an external drive via Time Machine. Swap the drives and bring everything back from the Time Machine. Your macbook will be retain existing settings and programs. You'll find videos on youtube on how to swap to SSD.
 
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