Clean install with restore from Time Machine?

[Lanman71]

I am considering just doing a clean install on a new SSD to be safe and want to know if I can restore files and settings from Time Machine. I currently have a Time Machine backup of High Sierra on a NAS drive (I have network file on the USB clover)

What are the steps to do this?

• Start install from Majove installation USB
• At the installation menu, select restore from Time Machine
• Do post installation steps:
  • Install Clover on SSD
  • Final Patch ACPI, update config.plist, kexts, etc.

Or should I complete all installation steps, get a working system and then restore from Time Machine?

I feel like this is a lower risk solution. For $50 I can get a duplicate SSD to swap in and the original is not affected. I already tried to start one upgrade and messed up my clover install.

 

[Lanman71]

Answering my own question, it looks like I can do what I want with the Migration Assistant:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350

If this is incorrect, please let me know. Thanks.

 

[sbeaber4]

Yep. I sometimes install a newer version of macOS to a clean drive and use the migration assistant and point it in the direction of my older install.