i decided that i have killed my mac :S so now i am in the process of installing a 2nd OS X transferring all my data onto a 3rd hard drive then reinstalling my original OS X again, just a quick question, is there a way to split my system up into many partitions on OS X, i want to have my OS X system in 1 partion and then all my user data in another. is this possible and if so how do i do it other then just copying my whole user directory over to another partition because if i just copy over the directory it loses all its sync with OS X and creates files in the original user directory not the new one i have on the 2nd partition. Thanks

Just wanted to know so that if this happens again all i have to do is reformat my system and not go through the whole data recovery process again

Yes, of course, you can have as many partitions as you want.

Not sure what you mean by losing sync ?

You could just alias the folders from the new drive into the existing folders and tell iTunes and iPhoto NOT to copy imported files, then just import your old libraries or re-create them.

If you want to conform to OS X by keeping all your music in the "iTunes" folder, all your pictures in the "iPhoto" folder, etc, etc. then you *might* be able to mount your new data partition directly to /Users/<your user name>.

Though I can't say for sure since I haven't bothered to try it, I'm not sure it will let you since it's so anal about what it considers "System" folders, but it's worth a try.

In Windows re-mapping a folder is a couple clicks away, in any "normal" *nix it's only an edit away but.....

First copy your home folder to the partition in mind... then go to preferences -> accounts. unlock. ctrl click (right-click for two button people) on your user account and select advanced options (I think you ned to be logged in as an admin to do this) and finally change your home directory in the window that unfolds.

make sure you try it out on a test account first so you know you won't lose your data during the real thing.

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Ah, cool. Not that I have a need for it, but still good to know the option is there.


I can't believe I missed something so obvious...

thanks for all the help will try when i get home tonight