Initialize/StartFromScratch
by ©2003 www.gballard.net
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This is the process I use to build a BackUp for professional use in DEADLINE workflows.

ZeroWrite the hard drive:
See ZeroWrite Apple info below.

• Initialize with ZeroWrite option checked (ZW takes 1hr per 10gb).
  Be sure to select Mac OS Extended (HFS Plus) format.
• Initialize, this time Partition HD gballard.net (and be sure to UNCHECK Write Zero option).
• If installing under system 10, be sure to check the 9–drivers option.

Install the Operating System (OS):

• Boot off the Install CD, install the OS.
• Get Mac back on WWW.
• Control Panels (9x), System Prefs (10x)> (run) Software Update.
  Software Update brings the OS and Mac firmwares up to date.

Install the Applications, drivers:

• Be sure to ShutDown, Restart and test around after each installer.
• Try these links and SEARCH for the most current drivers:
  macupdate.com
  versiontracker.com
  pure-mac.com
  
• Go to manufacturers' sites for updaters, firmwares....
  adobe(download).com
  

DO NOT DRAG ANYTHING OLD back onto your new install — at least until after you BackUp — this runs the risk of reintroducing corruption/viruses/SUSPECTS into your BackUp.

When you get done and fully tuned — BACKiTUP!

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ZeroWrite, TestDisk, Low Level Format:
Apple Knowledge Base Apple.com (Excerpt):

• "The best way to force the drive to reallocate bad blocks is to initialize using the write zeros feature. Use Test Disk to verify surface integrity only."

ATA hard drives do not Low Level Format, SCSI hard Drive do.

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Again, I recommend the ZeroWrite in my WorkFlow for the 100–percent confidence it provides me: From The Ground Up....