upgrading hard drive, do i need to reinstall OSX?

by glitterla May 28 2009 @ 10:24 PM

Hi there,

I have a 2007 macbook (Core2Duo processor) that I've just recently ordered a replacement hard drive for. (doing some upgrades.) I inherited this computer from my sister, and we don't have the OSX (Tiger) disks anymore.

Can anybody tell me:

1) I *do* have to reinstall the operating system after I replace the hard drive, right? (I haven't installed it yet.)

and

2) Do I have to use the same disks (or operating system type) of disks that came with the system originally? Can I purchase OSX Leopard instead, and and install that, even though I originally had Tiger?

Thanks for the help!

glitterla

reply by Sarabian May 29 2009 @ 5:12 AM

1) You do not have to reinstall if you have an enclosure for the old drive and can attach it to a computer and use something like SuperDuper to clone the drive over. I recommend a fresh install, it just works better.

2) You can certainly purchase Leopard if the laptop meets the system requirements. If it originally came with Tiger you want to check carefully. You may need more RAM before it will allow it.

Have fun with it. : )

reply by matthewfrey May 29 2009 @ 6:35 AM

My Suggestion is as follows, Get the Mac Box Set, Install on New Harddrive, then Migrate data from old drive with an enclosure, or quick dock thing.

reply by glitterla May 31 2009 @ 8:37 AM

Hi there Sarabian and everybody,

Thanks for your help. I think it's probably best for me to purchase the new operating system-- I have purchased extra RAM, too, to install.

So, my plan is to install the RAM, install the new hard drive, and then install the new operating system.

One last question-- maybe I overlooked it someplace, but I couldn't see the system requirements anywhere for Leopard. Any idea where to look for them, before I buy it?

Thanks,

glitterla

reply by matthewfrey Jun 1 2009 @ 6:21 AM

Leopard Tech Specs

http://www.apple.com/macosx/techspecs/