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So that I can upgrade the hard drive
Time Machine or something else?
Time machine is perfect if you want to keep things exactly as they are.
I've used it numerous times with no errors.
If you have Time Machine running, it works just fine. I've used SuperDuper in the past and that works too, but you've already got Time Machine built in anyway. What do you use to back up the HD normally?
As an alternative, I favour carbon copy cloner.
Time machine with any old external hard drive.
Time machine with any old external hard drive.
This, I've been using the same drive for 8ish years, saved me when a macbook got stolen and I restored straight onto a new one a few days later.
I plug in once a week or so, nudge time machine in the toolbar and it just works.
Time machine and iCloud. In sierra it can be configured to put docs/desktop etc in iCloud.
You then have local and remote copies for a couple of quid a month.
Have used all of these for just that purpose (have done 5 disks for myself and others)
Time Machine
Carbon Copy Cloner
Super Duper
IMO by far the easiest is Time Machine. My preferred process now is;
Time Machine Backup
Create USB key boot disc
Put new disk into machine
Boot from usb
Format new disk (mac os journaled extended with GUID boot partition)
Restore from Time Machine
Read up about startup modes <cmd> keys
OK what is a USB boot disc?
How big a USB drive would I need?
Let's start with the basics.
What version of OS X/macOS are you currently running, and will be installing on the new disk?
+1 for CCC.
I use time machine onto a WD MyCloud drive which is plugged into my router. Also doubles up as media hub.
Important docs/photos etc are also in the cloud and on a second USB hard drive.
just used CCC to clone the macs in here the other day actually.
Sierra
I want to upgrade to a bigger HDD so just want to clone current disk - not looking to do a fresh install of OS
In that case, use CCC and follow this:
https://bombich.com/kb/ccc4/i-want-clone-my-entire-hard-drive-new-hard-drive-or-new-machine
You will need a way to mount the new drive temporarily, to allow you to format/clone to it. Without knowing whether you're planning on going SSD or mech, [url= https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sabrent-2-5-Inch-Adapter-Optimized-EC-SSHD-x/dp/B011M8YACM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486558152&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+to+sata+cable ]something like this.[/url]
I would:
1) get a cheap external drive enclosure ([url= https://www.amazon.co.uk/CSL-Adapter-converter-Attached-Protocol/dp/B015N5JO9E/ ]or just a connector cable[/url])
2) plug your new drive into it and format it using Disk Utility
3) use either SuperDuper or CCC to clone your existing internal drive onto the new, larger one
4) shut everything down, open up the Macbook, and install the new drive
Thanks all
Time Machine, but personally I also do a carbon copy using Super Duper just to be sure. Involves two external hard drives, but it's a lot cheaper than A. it used to be and B. paying someone to delve into the wreckage of a hard drive.