How to Install OS X on new hard drive on a Late 2012 Mac mini

mac-mini

I have a Late 2012 Mac mini. I want to replace the hard drive with a SSD. The computer place wants to charge $99 for installing the OS on top of the $129 for installing the new SSD. The tech said I can install the OS myself. Could someone please help me on how to do it so I can save $99?


To avoid having to install OS X twice, do the following.

Before removing your existing hard disk, follow the steps given below:

  1. Download El Capitan (OS X 10.11) from the Mac App Store.
  2. Create a bootable installer for OS X. For this you will need a USB flash drive.

Both of the above steps are outlined at the Apple web site: "Create a bootable installer for OS".

If you are not able to do follow the instructions on the link above, or are wary or using command lines, download a free tool called Unibeast onto your Mac. It will create the bootable USB device for you. I don't own the tool or promote it so I won't link it but I do recommend it since it helped me. A simple search should bring it up.

If not, the rest of this guide continues:

Once your new disk is installed, do the following.

  1. Insert the flash drive in a USB port on your Mac.
  2. Start the Mac and hold down the option key.
  3. Select to boot from the flash drive.
  4. Use the Disk Utility application to create a single partition to install El Capitan (OS X 10.11).
  5. Quit the Disk Utility application.
  6. Select "Reinstall OS X".

  1. Start up from OS X Internet Recovery by holding down Option-Command-R immediately after turning on or restarting your Mac. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo. Startup is complete when you see the OS X Utilities window.

  2. Open Disk Utility from the OS X Utilities window, then use Disk Utility to erase your built-in hard disk using the OS X Extended (Journaled) format. Quit Disk Utility when done.

  3. Choose Reinstall OS X from the OS X Utilities window, then follow the onscreen instructions. This installs the OS X that came with your Mac when it was new. This version isn't associated with your Apple ID. The new owner can then use the Mac App Store to upgrade OS X with their Apple ID.

OS X Utilities window

  1. When done, your Mac restarts to a setup assistant. Press Command (⌘)-Q, then click Shut Down. That way the new owner can complete the steps of the setup assistant using their own information.

Source: How to reinstall OS X


If you are not able to do follow the instructions on the link in David Anderson's answer for creating a bootable USB or are wary of using command lines like I am, download a free tool called Unibeast onto your Mac. It will create the bootable USB device for you. I don't own the tool or promote it so I won't link it but I do recommend it since it helped me. An online search should bring it up. Rest of his guide worked like a charm.

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