Which is better?

[baward]

Due to problems with my Mac, I am either going to have to reinstall MacOS, or restore everything from my latest backup. Which is preferable?

Thanks!

[Watchmaker]

Take 'em one step at a time.

I'm facing the same decision after installing High Sierra. That caused many problems for me so I rolled back to Yosemite and now everything's borked. I did a restore, then a reinstall and I still have intermittent bluetooth issues.

Given the number of licenses and configuration customizations it takes to get a functioning work station running I'm trying to avoid a clean install but it's starting to look like that's the way through in my case.

[ConcertinaChap]

Which is preferable?

Difficult to say without knowing the scale of the problems and the scale of work involved in reinstalling however many apps you currently have installed. My personal inclination, FWIW, would be to go for restore from backup. After all, that's what you make backups for

Either way one gotcha to avoid is software like Melodyne or anything from Avid that requires online authorisation and has a maximum number of authorisations available. De-authorise them before you start operations and then you'll be spared problems when you re-authorise them afterwards. You may detect the voice of experience here (caused inadvertently by the total failure of the original machine but nevertheless ... )

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[BJG145]

...oh, I thought this was going to be: "Which is better? Mac or PC?"

*disappointed*

[Drew Stephenson]

Just done a complete reinstall and still trying to sort out a couple of licensing issues. I'd try from back-up first if that's an option.

[G-Doubleyou]

...oh, I thought this was going to be: "Which is better? Mac or PC?"

*disappointed*

Ha!

[MOF]

...oh, I thought this was going to be: "Which is better? Mac or PC?"

*disappointed*

Mac, obviously.

[fruitcake]

If you’ve got the time and do the prep work, full reinstall is better.
I’ve been keeping my Mac Pro 5,1 hobbling along for years. I was having a problem with VEPro and Digital Performer crashing each other. I did a re-install from backup and it didn’t help. When I had time I got a new internal SSD to put a clean system on and reinstall all the software I use and ditching software I no longer need.
DP and VEP behaved!
But a couple of tips:
Use iCloud Sync for keychains, contacts, mail, etc. it makes setting up the new system much easier.
As mentioned earlier, any software that is authorized on your drive, deauthorize and make a list. You can pull up Mac system report and print out a list of all the applications on your computer so you don’t miss any.
I appreciate iLok much more now.
There’s probably some other things to keep in mind that I’m forgetting as I walk through a store typing this.
Other the many years I’ve been using a Mac I feel it’s necessary to periodically clean it out and start fresh.

[Agharta]

Due to problems with my Mac, I am either going to have to reinstall MacOS, or restore everything from my latest backup.

...oh, I thought this was going to be: "Which is better? Mac or PC?"

Mac, obviously.

The irony!

[MOF]

baward wrote:
Due to problems with my Mac, I am either going to have to reinstall MacOS, or restore everything from my latest backup.

MOF wrote:
...oh, I thought this was going to be: "Which is better? Mac or PC?"

Mac, obviously.

The irony!

I see no irony, no computer is immune to problems but MY Macs have given sterling service.

[Kwackman]

Before this descends into another Mac v PC vicious circle....

I'd also vote for a clean install.
It is extra work, but IMHO worth it.
It rules out any roque software if you run into future issues.
If you use the cloud for email and passwords etc. it might not be that painful.
A back up before you start is sensible too!

[Rich Hanson]

...oh, I thought this was going to be: "Which is better? Mac or PC?"

*disappointed*

Mac, obviously.

A cagoule should suffice

[Drew Stephenson]

baward wrote:
Due to problems with my Mac, I am either going to have to reinstall MacOS, or restore everything from my latest backup.

MOF wrote:
...oh, I thought this was going to be: "Which is better? Mac or PC?"

Mac, obviously.

The irony!

I see no irony, no computer is immune to problems but MY Macs have given sterling service.

Which is in complete contrast to my experience.

Personally I'd suggest an anorak or an umbrella.

[Sam Spoons]

I wear a drysuit myself. I get some funny looks in the gents but not as funny as when I wore a wetsuit.......

[Sam Spoons]

P.S. In this forum the answer is, obviously, Mac, (though it would be different in the other place).

[ConcertinaChap]

And, of course, Folderol would have yet another opinion.

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