MacOS – Clean Install with Exceptions

installmacos

My current OS X install is getting long in the tooth. It's been ported over through multiple OS upgrades and system changes (started with an iMac G4, then a PowerMac G5, and now a iMac i7).

I think it's about time to do a clean install to get rid of all the crap that's been accumulated. Is there a way to do a clean install with exceptions? I'd love to keep my applications and application preferences intact, but pretty much start anew with everything else.

I've got Time Machine backups, and would do a SuperDuper copy to an external drive before starting fresh.

Best Answer

AFAIK Migration Assistant will let you do just what you've asked. Here is an article on this but it's pretty straightforward.