TITLE
    Clean Restore: How to Perform
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		31204
3/22/00
8/28/00
TOPIC

    What is the best way to restore an unusable system folder or one suspected of being unusable?

DISCUSSION

    Traditionally, the Mac OS installer was used to perform a clean install. However, if you have the Restore Software CD that came with your iMac, Power Macintosh G3, Power Mac G4, or Performa there is another way to install a clean system. You can re-install the system folder that was on the hard drive when the computer shipped from the factory.

    The Restore Software CD will replace only original software (original system software, factory settings, and applications that came with your computer) with new copies from the CD, leaving everything else on the disk untouched.

    This installs the original system in place and verifies that all the original applications and system folder items are replaced without losing any data. It also ensures all extensions and control panels necessary to use the original applications are installed. As with a clean install, the process can be reversed and the original system folder can be reactivated.

    Note: If you have upgraded your system folder to a newer version of the Mac OS you should not use this method unless you want to install the original OS. Instead use the more current system software CD and perform a clean installation. Refer to Mac Help built into your computer's Help menu for specific instructions regarding how to perform a clean installation.

    If the suspected damage is to the operating system components of the System Folder, then a Restore in Place should be performed. For further understanding of the different types of system installations offered, review
    Article 31086: " Apple Software Install and Apple Software Restore: Differences ".

    If you have a Performa, follow Article17768: " System SW Clean Restore: Macintosh Computers w/CD ".


    Performing a Clean Restore
    Important: Before restoring or reinstalling software you should backup the data on your hard disk to an external drive or network file server. Make note of your TCP/IP and Internet control panel settings as they will be replaced during this process.

    1. Run Disk First Aid to verify the directories.
      • Open the Utilities folder and run Disk First Aid.
      • Select the hard drive volume to be examined by highlighting it with your cursor.
      • Select the Repair button.
      • Quit Disk First Aid.


    If a fault is found and repaired, test your software again as this might have resolved the issue.

    For more information on Disk First Aid, refer to the following articles:


    2. Boot to the Restore CD:
      • Place the system CD with the word Restore printed on it in the CD drive.
      • Startup the computer using the CD by restarting the computer and pressing the "C" key on the keyboard until you see the Welcome to Macintosh screen. Confirm the Caps Lock key on the keyboard is not in the locked position. Alternately, you can boot to the CD by setting the Startup control panel to start from the CD and simply restarting the computer with the CD in the CD drive.
      • Verify you have booted to the system CD. Your Restore CD should be the upper right icon on the desktop.


    3. Update the hard drive driver.
      • Open the Utilities folder and run the Drive Setup application.
      • Select the hard drive to be updated by highlighting it.
      • Select Update Driver from the Functions menu.
      • Quit the Drive Setup application.


    4. Disable the current system folder on the hard drive:
      • Open the System Folder, located on the hard drive.
      • In the System Folder, locate the System icon (shaped like a suitcase) and move it into the Preferences folder. Close the System Folder and verify that there is no Happy Mac icon (smiling face) on the folder. The lack of a Happy Mac icon means it is no longer a valid system folder.
      • Rename the system folder by clicking once on its icon and then pressing the Enter key. A box will appear around the name indicating you can edit the name. The suggested name is Disabled System Folder. Press the Return key on the keyboard to exit edit mode. (Do not call this folder Previous System Folder as it could be confused with a Previous System Folder created during a Clean Install.)


    For additional information see Article 18611: " Reblessing Old System Folder After Clean Install " .

    Note: It is very important to rename the system folder or the next step will create an unusable system folder.

    5. Restore all software.
      • Launch the Apple Software Restore application from the Restore CD.
      • Select OK when the splash screen appears.
      • If necessary, select the destination disk on which to install your system folder and software. This should be the same disk on which your previous system folder resides.
      • Put a checkmark in the box next to Restore in Place by clicking on the box once.
      • Select the Restore button at the bottom of the window. An on screen message will appear showing the status of the restoration process.
      • Click Quit when the process is complete.


    6. If you set the computer to startup from the CD in the Startup control panel, then set the hard drive to be the startup disk.

    7. Test restoration.
      • Restart the computer.
      • Complete the setup assistant.
      • Re-enter TCP/IP and Internet settings.
      • Test that the computer is working correctly.


    Because this would have replaced the system folder, you will need to reinstall any operating system updates as well as non-Apple extensions, fonts, and control panels. This should be done by reinstalling the applications from their original disks. If you don't have the original disks, you can copy these items one at a time from the Disabled System Folder to the new System Folder. Copying items instead of moving them is suggested so that the disabled system folder will contain all the original items in the event you need to reactivate it or reference it.

    To confirm the software is compatible with this version of the Mac OS, restart your computer after you reinstall each item. Once you are satisfied that the computer and all applications are working properly and that all necessary information has been transferred from the Disabled System Folder, you can move it into the trash.

    Restoring System folder Disabled by a Clean Restore
      1. Startup the computer using any bootable CD.
      2. Either put the System Folder in the trash or disable it in the same manner as listed in step 3 above. You will not be able to name it Disabled System Folder as there will already exist a folder by that name. The suggested name is Disabled System Folder 2.
      3. Rename the Disabled System Folder to System Folder.
      4. Open the Preferences folder located in the System Folder.
      5. Close the System Folder.
      6. Locate the System in the Preferences folder and drop it on the closed System Folder icon. If done correctly, the System Folder will now have a happy Mac icon on it indicating an active system folder.
      7. Restart the computer.


    Related Articles:

Document Information
Product Area: Apple Software
Category: General Apple Software Topics
Sub Category: General Topics

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