Lion recovery partition

[DavidCB]

Originally Posted by dnanian

Actually, you can easily recreate the recover partition by simply reinstalling Lion from the App Store. (This has the additional benefit of updating the recover partition with the most recent data, too.)

This thread has left me confused. Like the original poster, I have a new SSD that I would like to install in a MacBook Pro, which came with Lion installed and now contains all my User data. I have made clones of the hard drive on external drives using SuperDuper in the normal manner. (I haven't checked to see if the clones contain the recovery partition; is there a way to do that?)

I had thought that I would install the empty SSD in the MBP, boot from one of the clones and clone that to the SSD. From what I gather, though, if I use this method, the SSD will not have the recovery partition on it?

In any event, what is the best way to proceed?

Thank you,

David

[dnanian]

Yes, you would make the copy, then reinstall Lion to recreate the recovery partition (which will refresh the OS and maintain your existing applications and data). I'm not sure where you're confused.

[DavidCB]

Originally Posted by dnanian

Yes, you would make the copy, then reinstall Lion to recreate the recovery partition (which will refresh the OS and maintain your existing applications and data). I'm not sure where you're confused.

I was confused because I didn't realize that making a normal clone would not include the recovery partition. Or do I have that wrong?

Also, sorry for the basic questions, but when you say to reinstall Lion, do you then use Migration Assistant for your data?

David

[dnanian]

Remember, you're only copying the volume (partition) you select. That's how things are defined. A "drive" (physical) can't be selected, and doesn't even have a name...

Reinstalling Lion, as I said, preserves your existing applications and data. There's no need to run Migration - your data and apps stay in place.

[DavidCB]

Originally Posted by dnanian

Remember, you're only copying the volume (partition) you select. That's how things are defined. A "drive" (physical) can't be selected, and doesn't even have a name...

Reinstalling Lion, as I said, preserves your existing applications and data. There's no need to run Migration - your data and apps stay in place.

Thank you--now I understand about copying only the volume.

As for reinstalling Lion, I think I understand that now too--I hadn't seen from what you had said before that it preserved your existing applications and data.

David

[dnanian]

Yes. Since Snow Leopard, a reinstall (not an erase install) basically refreshes the OS under your stuff.

[edalzell]

OK, just so I am clear (foggy head this morning).

I have just ordered an SSD for my 2009 MBP. Steps I should take are:
1. SD backup
2. Install SSD
3. Install ML on SSD
4. Use SD to copy over entire drive, overwriting the OS I just installed?

[DavidCB]

Originally Posted by dnanian

Yes. Since Snow Leopard, a reinstall (not an erase install) basically refreshes the OS under your stuff.

Thanks for the info--I am new to Lion and didn't realize that.

David