Transfer ALL data to a hard drive

[Seevee]

All,
I want to upgrade my MacBook Pro to a bigger drive. How can I transfer all the data to a stand alone hard drive, or is that possible. I mean EVERYTHING, so I have a complete duplicate of my computer. Files, software, emails, preferences, etc., etc.

Thanks!

Seevee
2013 Mac Book Pro
OS Sierra

 

[BrianBaughn]

Download and install Carbon Copy Cloner from bombich.com. With it you can create a clone of your internal drive (on an external drive) and, after installing the new drive, boot from the external drive and clone back to the new, internal drive.

You should be able to do this within the free, trial period of CCC.

After cloning, but before the internal swap, be sure to confirm that you can boot from the external drive.

 

[Fishrrman]

CarbonCopyCloner.

FREE to download and use for 30 days, so it will actually cost you nothing to use it.
Get it here:
Carbon Copy Cloner - Download

You can use CCC to clone to the backup drive.
Do a TEST BOOT from the cloned backup to BE SURE IT WORKS BEFORE you rip apart the MBP.
Then install the new drive.
Then BOOT FROM the backup drive.
Now, erase/initialize the internal drive to Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format.
Then, RE-clone the contents of the backup BACK TO the new internal drive.
Finally, go to the startup disk preference pane and set the NEW drive to be the "new boot drive".

 

[glenthompson]

Echo the CCC recommendation. My approach to drive upgrades is:

1. Install new drive in usb carrier
2. Run CCC to clone internal to external
3. Boot external drive to verify that it boots and runs ok
4. Make the hardware swap
5. Boot normally

This only requires one clone operation and verifies that the new drive is working before installing it into the Mac.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Echo the CCC recommendation. My approach to drive upgrades is:

1. Install new drive in usb carrier
2. Run CCC to clone internal to external
3. Boot external drive to verify that it boots and runs ok
4. Make the hardware swap
5. Boot normally

This only requires one clone operation and verifies that the new drive is working before installing it into the Mac.

It's a 2013 MBP and has the "proprietary" SSD. I'm thinking the housing would be more expensive than buying a 2.5" SSD (that's larger than the one currently in the MBP) and 2.5" USB 3 enclosure. Definitely more expensive than a USB 3 external spinner HD.

 

[Weaselboy]

How can I transfer all the data to a stand alone hard drive

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

If you have a USB drive or other external storage device, you can use Time Machine to automatically back up your files, including apps, music, photos, email, and documents.

support.apple.com

Just use the included Time Machine app to make a backup. That will include everything.

 

[ignatius345]

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

If you have a USB drive or other external storage device, you can use Time Machine to automatically back up your files, including apps, music, photos, email, and documents.

support.apple.com

Just use the included Time Machine app to make a backup. That will include everything.

This is also a great option. I use CCC to clone my Mac for an offsite backup once a month, but I've also used Time Machine backups to migrate to a new computer as well. Migration Assistant makes easy work of bringing in everything from the backup to the new machine.

 

[Weaselboy]

I use both also. I have TM running full time then do a CC clone once a week or so.

 

[brianmowrey]

Seevee
2013 Mac Book Pro
OS Sierra

"we strongly recommend installing macOS 10.13 High Sierra (or a later macOS) before replacing the original SSD from your MacBook Pro. Most new SSDs require updated storage drivers not found in versions of macOS prior to High Sierra."

 

[glenthompson]

It's a 2013 MBP and has the "proprietary" SSD. I'm thinking the housing would be more expensive than buying a 2.5" SSD (that's larger than the one currently in the MBP) and 2.5" USB 3 enclosure. Definitely more expensive than a USB 3 external spinner HD.

Enclosure and tools from OWC add $70 to the cost. When done you can use the enclosure with the old drive for other purposes.