Boot to recovery mode cmd-r @ startup. You can then install the shipping version of 10.8 to an ext. hard drive. Personally, I've had issues with USB 3 unmounting @ sleep & not remounting on wake. No prob w/ USB 2 or FW800 via TB adapter. I've read similar complaint w/ other USB3 Mac users, not just the new iMac. I think it might be the controller chip in the drive because some people have no issues at all.