How to Create a Mac Start-Up Disk

If your hard disk seems to be having problems, you might want to run diagnostic or repair software on it. However, you typically can't run such software on the startup disk (the disk with the system software). Never fear - you can create a disk of System files that will start up your Mac from an external drive.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hard Disk Toolkit (FWB Software)
• Norton Utilities For Macintosh

Using the Mac OS CD

1. Insert the Mac OS CD (the one that came with your computer) into the CD-ROM drive.

2. Double-click the Installer or the Install Mac OS icon to install system software on an external drive.

3. After installation is complete, click on the Apple menu and select Control Panels.

4. Select Startup Disk.

5. Locate the icon for your external drive and select it. Close the control panel.

6. Restart your computer. Diagnose and repair away!

Copying the System Folder

7. Copy your System Folder onto an external disk drive.

8. Click on the Apple menu and select Control Panels.

9. Select Startup Disk.

10. Locate the icon for your external drive and select it. Close the control panel.

11. Restart your computer. Diagnose and repair away!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to change your selected startup disk back to your hard drive once you've finished with the external drive.