

Archive and Install = Available in Mac OS X 10.2 and later (except with "Upgrade" discs), an Archive and Install installation automatically moves existing system files to a folder named Previous System, then installs Mac OS X again.Install Mac OS X for the first time = This is basically the same as the "Erase and Install" method but where you manually erase the hard disk first or you are installing to an empty hard disk.Erase and Install = (Automatically) erases the hard disk first, then installs Mac OS X - this method deletes all your personal data and applications!.Both methods install Mac OS X cleanly but one erases everything on your boot disk first. It can mean either an "Erase and Install" or an "Archive and Install". Software that installs Kernel Extensions (KEXTS)Įxplanation of Different Install Methods: NOTE A "clean install" is ambiguous.USB/FireWire drivers (for external hardware).Other items you may need to reinstall so make sure you have the installers/updaters available and ready:.List of printer and scanner drivers included with OS X 10.7 and later.List of printer and scanner drivers included with Mac OS X 10.6.List of printer drivers included with Mac OS X 10.5.List of printer drivers included with Mac OS X 10.4.


Instructions for (re)installing macOS specifically the "Archive and Install" or "Erase and Install" methods. Article Last Updated = 25th February 2015
