how to backup mac hard drive in recovery mode

How to Backup Your Mac Hard Drive in Recovery Mode

Are you experiencing issues with your Mac hard drive and want to ensure a safe backup of your files? One way to do this is by booting into recovery mode. Here, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step.

'How to backup mac hard drive in recovery mode'

To begin, restart your Mac while holding down the Command + Option + R keys at startup. This will enable you to download and install your computer's original operating system. Once booted into the Recovery Mode, you can restart your computer normally by clicking on the 'Restart' button.

Next, open Disk Utility and attempt to have it repair your hard drive. 'How to use disk utility' This feature is designed to help with repairs when needed, but please note that it's not possible to recover files in Recovery Mode.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive backup solution, consider using Time Machine or an external hard drive to back up your files regularly. This way, you'll have a copy of your important documents and data in case something goes wrong with your Mac.

Backing Up iTunes Library and Photos

If you want to backup your iTunes library and photos, you can do so by copying the relevant folders over to an external drive. For example, you can use the cp command in Recovery Terminal to copy the 'Documents', 'Desktop', and 'Downloads' folders.

Regarding restoring your backups, it's generally recommended to restore to the same version of macOS that you backed up from. In this case, if you backed up your Photos Library in High Sierra, you'll want to restore it in High Sierra as well. However, you can also copy the Pictures folder over to a newer version of macOS and expect it to work, as long as the database is included.

Tips for Backing Up Your Files

When backing up your files, make sure to include all important folders such as Documents, Desktop, and Downloads. You may also want to consider backing up your iTunes library and photos separately.

By following these steps, you'll be able to safely backup your Mac hard drive in Recovery Mode and ensure that your files are protected in case of any issues with your computer.