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hi All, I time machined the data to my new SSD. But I am not sure whether I am ready to take apart the Mac and replace the old drive. I am afraid that the Mac will not boot up with new SSD installed. Am I ready? (or I need to create a boot USD?) Thanks for the help. (Lots info online, but looking for more clearer answer) Best,

Do not do your update until,the SSD is installed What system are you currently running? Did you format the new drive? Have you replaced the hard drive/IR cable? .It sounds like you did your Time Machine back-up to the new drive without have a system on it. The backup needs to be to a drive you are not booting from. Install the drive. Boot from the old drive externally. Format the drive using APFS GUID. Now install your current system onto the new drive. When finished use Migration Assistant to move your data and APPs and user. Make sure the new drive is working correctly. Before taking it to Catalina you may have to incrementally upgrade your system to insure you pick up any firmware updates. So we need to know that current system.