Can a full system restore be harmful?

[MostEloquent]

I was just wondering if a full system restore can be harmful or if it's good to do every once in a while to get that "fresh" computer feeling. I just re-installed OSX and everything feels like new but was just wondering if this is bad for the hard drive or something.

Thanks!

[lessthanthree]

Hi, and welcome to Info-Mac!

I've done a system wipe a few times on various Macs, and nothing has ever gone wrong with my hardware as a direct result of that. So long as you keep the OS X disc in it's cover, and protect it from damage, and you keep the Mac on a level surface (so it doesn't drop off the sofa/get kicked when on the floor) then no damage whatsoever should be done to the system.

Out of curiosity, did you do a fresh install or did you do an Archive Install?

[Turboladdade]

Your hard drive won't be negatively effected by formatting and reinstalling the operating system, although doing this is usually unnecessary.

[mexa]

You know on windows XP you can go back and see the items and stuff you were looking at. "How do you do that on a MacBook?

[Turboladdade]

You know on windows XP you can go back and see the items and stuff you were looking at. "How do you do that on a MacBook?

I wish I knew what you meant by this? Items you were looking at?