Copy Newer, Copy Different ... one more question

[arnaud]

Hi Dave, hello everyone.

I have searched the forum about this specific topic, learned some things (*) , but need to ask my own personal unique question

I have, what I believe to be, internal drive problems on my powerbook. So, a few weeks ago I've made one last (Smart Update) back-up before sending it to AppleCare.
Before sending it, I've erased, formatted and installed a brand new OSX, from scratch.
From there, I installed my apps back, with new settings and prefs, etc...
and... it's still running (although I still think the drive has problems).

NB: I have NOT put back everything from my backup to my internal drive.
So, some of my most important files are on the backup, not on my powerbook (since it was supposed to go to Applecare).


Obviously I have since made backups of this NEW install on another external drive.
That leaves me with (on two different external drives) :
-one old and complete backup of my very old OS and all of my files
-one new and partial backup of my brand new and clean OS.

Am I clear ?

What I would like to do know, is to backup this clean and new OS on this first external drive WITHOUT erasing these important files.
Obviously, it's not a "smart update" thing
I have to choose between Copy Newer or Copy Different.
From what I've read on the forum, it seems Copy Newer is better.

My two questions :
- Dave, do you confirm that I can do what I'm trying to here and that it won't erase my files?
- What option would you choose ?
(and basically what would you do ?)


(*)
<http://www.shirt-pocket.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102&highlight=copy+newer>
<http://www.shirt-pocket.com/forums/showthread.php?t=877&highlight=copy+newer>
<http://www.shirt-pocket.com/forums/showthread.php?t=716&highlight=copy+newer>