Installing New OS X Version

When updating to a brand new version of OS X (i.e. going from OS X 10.5 Leopard to OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard), there are a couple other steps to take to help insure a good update.

1. Repair permissions on your main hard drive as outlined earlier.

2. Disconnect all FireWire peripherals like hard drives and cameras.

3. Insert your OS X install CD in the computer.

4. Double-click the option in the CD for Install Mac OS X.

3. The computer will prompt you for a restart. Click restart.

4. Click on through the various screens in the installation window until you reach the Destination page. In the bottom left corner of the window is an "Options" button. Click on it.

Note: If you do not see an Options button before you get to the window for the actual installation (left sidebar will read Install), use the back buttons until you get to a page that shows the Options button.

5. In the pop-up window that appears after clicking the Options button, Choose Archive and Install, as well as checking the box for preserving user settings.

In addition to other benefits, this method will not delete any user specific data during the install.

6. Continue and complete the installation process.

7. Repair permissions on the computer.

Once you are done, you will notice the new folder in your main hard drive called "Previous Systems", which holds previous system information in case you need to retrieve anything from it. You can leave this new folder in place for a couple weeks to make sure there are no settings or files you still need. Once you're sure you no longer need it, you can trash the Previous Systems folder.

Important: Although this is a good method for installing a new version of OS X, certain files needed for Final Cut Studio may not be in the new "System", and have been relocated to the Previous Systems folder. You may be able to move over relevant files on your own, but a re-installation of Final Cut Studio may be necessary to properly install all needed files.