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runandwrite Author

Level 1

8 points

Create startup USB to install replacement SSD

I have a 13-inch mid-2010 MacBook that I received second-hand. I don't have any of the installation disks that might have come with it, and I believe I replaced the original hard drive myself a few years ago. Now it's running a little sluggish, and I thought installing an SSD might help, but I need to make sure I will be able to actually install it.

Is there away to create a bootable USB to install to OS onto the new SSD, as one would do to install Windows on a new drive? I saw a video that began with downloading the High Sierra install file from the App store, but the install file doesn't seem to be available any more, and apparently Catalina is not compatible with my MacBook.

Thanks for any suggestions.

MacBook, macOS 10.13

Posted on Sep 24, 2020 11:56 AM

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

60,464 points

Posted on Sep 24, 2020 6:38 PM

You can create a bootable macOS USB installer using these instructions:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210650

If macOS 10.12.6 or 10.13 has been installed at some point on this laptop, then you also have an option to boot into Internet Recovery Mode (Command + Option + R):

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT204904

You will need to erase the whole physical SSD using Disk Utility. Erase it as GUID partition and MacOS Extended (Journaled):

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496

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Create startup USB to install replacement SSD

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