Internet recovery with Mac - how it works
If your Apple Mac does not start due to a problem with the internal data carrier, you can start a recovery via the Internet.
How to start internet recovery on Mac
As of Mac OS X Lion, you can also start recovery from the Internet. This is particularly useful if, for example, your hard drive is damaged. Of course, internet recovery only works with an existing internet connection:
- Therefore, when you start your Mac, hold down the [CMD] + [ALT] + [R] keys until the Apple logo appears.
- Next you will be asked for your WiFi connection. Select your network and enter the password.
- Your Mac now loads some files from the Apple servers. Meanwhile, you will see a spinning globe and a progress bar. This process can take some time. Then a screen appears on which you select your language.
- A screen appears with the "Mac OS X Utilities" window. Click here on "Reinstall Mac OS X" to start the recovery.
- Now you should have a little patience: loading the files takes some time.
- The long installation time from the Internet is not the only difference to the recovery from the recovery partition. While you always install the latest version of Mac OS X during HD recovery, the Mac OS X version that was originally on the computer is always loaded during Internet recovery. This means that you can also downgrade your Mac version in this way.
Reload iLife programs and apps - how it works
After the new installation, you still have to set up your iLife programs again:
- To do this, start your Mac and open the app store via the "Apple" menu.
- Enter your Apple ID and password here.
- Next, switch to your purchases. You can find them using the button of the same name in the top bar.
- For Macs that shipped with OS X Lion, the iLife package was included when you purchased it. If you have not yet accepted the apps, the "Accept" button appears. In this case, click on it. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID and password again.
- The programs are moved to the "Purchased items" area. Here simply click on "Install". You can also use this menu to restore all of your previously purchased apps.
In the next practical tip, we explain how to check and repair the startup volume of Mac OS X.