HOWTO - Perform an Archive and Install

Archive and Install moves existing system files to a folder named Previous System and then reinstalls Mac OS X. Your Mac's Previous System folder will not be bootable. This is often used in troubleshooting to fix system issues without having to do a clean install.

While performing and Archive and Install on your Mac, you can choose to keep your user and network settings during the installation. This option will automatically import existing user accounts, user home directories, and network settings. When this option is selected, it also skips the Apple Setup Assistant after installation. The procedure below will be fairly consistent between Mac OS X versions but may vary slightly.

1. Boot from your Mac OS X Install Disc.

2. Select your language. The Welcome to the Mac OS X Installer window appears.

3. Click Continue. The Important Information window appears.

4. After reading or printing the information, click Continue. The Software License Agreement window appears.

5. After reading or printing the information, click Continue.

6. An agreement sheet appears. If you agree with the license agreement, click Agree. The Select a Destination window appears.

7. Click Options. The installation options sheet appears.

8. Select Archive and Install.

9. Select the volume which already has Mac OS X installed.

10. You may select Preserve Users and Network Settings, to preserve network and Home directory settings.

11. Click OK.

12. Click Continue to begin the installation.

It is recommended to use a backup utility that can create a bootable backup or disk image prior to performing an archive and install. This will make an exactly copy of your current system that you can revert back to if you have problems after the installation.