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How to wipe clean and test my MacBook?

I'm using a four year old computer and I'd like to get more mileage out of it. Aside from running slow, it works well now with the occasional click or hum that causes concern.

Would it be wise and/or possible 1) to backup my files 2) wipe clean the machine 3) test the hardware, maybe replace the old hard drive (solid state sounds nice!) 4) reinstall Mac OS and 5) transfer only the apps and files that I need in order not to bring over all the detritus and baggage hidden in corners of the old hard drive?

The part that I really need advice on is how to test the hardware and see if I should replace anything to increase the longevity of the machine.

Thanks!

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If you have the original software installation disk you're in good shape, if not buy the 10'6.3 or 4 now available. Have an external hard drive to back up to and use Time Machine to make your backup. The wipe the hard drive using Disk Utilities and write zeors option. Then start up from the 10.6 do an install and use migration assistant to move only the data you want back in.

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If you have the original install discs that came with the machine, there is Apple Hardware Test built on the first disc usually you can run to test the hardware. If you are planning on replacing the drive you can install the new hard drive, perform the os install and buy an adapter or a usb enclosure for the old drive. After the initial install it gives you an option to transfer data from another mac or another partition. You can plug in the old drive and transfer the settings and data to the new drive automatically. You can also do that later on by running the migration assistant built into the OS.

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Actually dust down is a good idea. Beside the beforementioned solutions it's a good idea to give an old comtuter a thorough clean. Take out the fan and clean off any dust that might have accumulated behind and inside it. While you're at it take off the heatsink and replace the thermal compount with something decent, like Arctic Silver. Works wonders.

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