How to Create an Install Disk for Mac OS Lion

If you're looking for a way to install Mac OS Lion on your computer without upgrading your existing operating system, creating an install disk is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your own installation DVD or USB flash drive.

First, you'll need a USB flash drive with at least 5GB of free space. If you don't have one, you can purchase a new one or use an existing drive that meets the minimum requirements.

Once you have your flash drive ready, follow these steps:

1. Download Mac OS Lion from the Mac App Store, but do not install it yet.

2. Open the Applications folder and right-click on the Lion installer.

3. Select 'Show Package Contents' and navigate to the 'Contents' > 'SharedSupport' folder.

4. Find the 'InstallESD.dmg' image file and copy it to your flash drive.

Next, you'll need to create two partitions on your flash drive: one for Mac OS Lion and one for any non-Mac App Store apps you want to install. You can use Disk Utility to do this.

1. Open Disk Utility and select your flash drive as the target disk.

2. Click 'Partition' and then click 'Split Partition.'

3. Create a new partition for Mac OS Lion (at least 5GB in size) and name it something like 'Lion.'

4. Create another partition for your non-Mac App Store apps (as large as you want it to be) and name it something like 'Apps.'

Once you have your partitions set up, you can copy the 'InstallESD.dmg' file to the Lion partition.

1. Copy the 'InstallESD.dmg' file from the Applications folder to the Lion partition.

2. Eject the flash drive and restart your computer with the flash drive inserted.

Your Mac should now boot from the install disk and allow you to install Mac OS Lion on a new hard drive or SSD.

Why Create an Install Disk?

There are several reasons why you might want to create an install disk for Mac OS Lion:

* A clean install can fix stability issues with your existing operating system.

* You can use the flash drive as a backup in case your hard drive or SSD fails and you need to reinstall your operating system.

* It's a good way to keep your apps organized and separate from your operating system.

Keep in mind that creating an install disk is not for everyone. If you're not comfortable with technical tasks, it may be better to stick with the default upgrade process through the Mac App Store.

In summary, creating an install disk for Mac OS Lion is a great way to get a clean install of the operating system without having to upgrade your existing system. With this guide, you can create your own installation DVD or USB flash drive and enjoy all the benefits that come with a fresh start.

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