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My macbook is sluggish and has so much stuff that I don't use anymore and just want to start over from scratch basically. I did a time machine backup just in case something goes wrong.

  • New blank SSD
  • MacBook Pro (early 2011)
  • backed up everything that I wanted to keep on an external HDD so that I can put it back on the SSD once OSX is installed again.

I can't directly clone everything to the SSD since my HDD has over 300GB used and my SSD is only 120GB.

Is it possible/how can I get OSX installed on my SSD without a HDD Caddy. There is no install disc since my Macbook came with the OS preinstalled on my HDD?

bmike
  • 235,889
Justin
  • 637

1 Answers1

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Internet Recovery

If you installed the Internet Recovery firmware update, hold ⌘ cmd + ⌥ alt + R on boot to begin.

Internet Recovery Progress

An image of OS X will be downloaded from the internet, and can be installed on the internal SSD normally. Once this is complete, you can restore your data from your external drive.

grg
  • 201,078
  • Ok thanks, Do I download that onto my HDD or SSD? – Justin Aug 25 '13 at 21:07
  • @Justin The OS X image: SSD. (The firmware update needs to be installed with a drive that has OS X on it already - your HDD.) – grg Aug 25 '13 at 21:10
  • Ok so download that, discharge static, remove hdd, insert SSD, boot with that key combo? – Justin Aug 25 '13 at 21:13
  • And that link says "sorry this download is unavailable." Would updating via the appstore include the Internet recovery firmware update? – Justin Aug 25 '13 at 21:17
  • @Justin Theoretically yes - Since the firmware update was released on the Mac App Store, updating via the MAS should include that update. – grg Aug 25 '13 at 21:52