How to restore macbook to factory condition without using discs?

The closest you could come to "factory" would be to create a new user account, then delete the existing one(s).

If you want to return the OS to a "clean install", you would need either the disc that came with the MacBook, or the retail Leopard discs.

Contact Apple. Many times, for a small fee, they will provide a replacement set of install disks.

Mutchy said:

if i try out your first suggestion will it remove all the updates i dl for the programs that came with the mac?

Click to expand...

There are at least three ways of reinstalling OS X from the original install disks: Archive and Install, Archive and Install (Not Preserving User & Network Settings), and Erase and Install. The first two will archive your present files somewhere on your HD. The third will erase your entire HD before installing a now system.

Google "mac installation" for more details of each.

Mutchy said:

Sweet thanks heaps for your help gr8tfly, if i try out your first suggestion will it remove all the updates i dl for the programs that came with the mac?
is it obvious that I'm a noob at computers...

Click to expand...

No it won't remove the updates, but updates are usually
good.

http://code.google.com/p/osx86tools/downloads/list

If that above does not work this almost 100% works. Don't mind the OSX86 part. This is a GUI wrapper for most terminal commands, which in some cases OSX86 machines use. I have used this on my iBook. Actually try this first!

(The worst that has ever happened is it restarting and not erasing a thing... which is not a problem!)

Mutchy said:

Sweet thanks heaps for your help gr8tfly, if i try out your first suggestion will it remove all the updates i dl for the programs that came with the mac?
is it obvious that I'm a noob at computers...

Click to expand...

No, it shouldn't affect application updates. Those are stored in the system folder(s). You will most likely lose your (well, the current user's) application settings and preferences, though.

Actually the software I suggested would keep your current version, but when you restart you would see the OSX start up screen. You know that cool video!

You should have bought SL for yourself. It's $29.99.