2010 macbook pro reset

[Maurier]

Hi,
I recently bought an old 2010 macbook pro 13 and trying to do a factory reset.
It didn't have any disc in the box. Is there a way to reset without discs? I tried command + R but it doesn't work on this older mac os.
I know on 2013 models can be done using an internet connection , but not sure on this old model.

 

[CoastalOR]

You can not do a "factory" reset without the disks that shipped with it. The 2010 13" MBP shipped with OS 10.6.3 to 10.6.4 (Snow Leopard). It was only distributed via disks.

Apple still sells Snow Leopard disks, I'm not sure if they work or if you need special drivers only on the grey disks that shipped with the MBP. Maybe someone else could answer.

Which OS is on it now?

command + r (Recovery) is only available if you have OS 10.7 or above installed. Your MBP can be updated to support Internet recovery (command + option + r).

Your MBP is capable of updating to the latest OS.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

The retail Snow Leopard disk will work fine, just install http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399 after installing from the DVD.

If you have access to another Mac, you could instead make a bootable USB installer of Sierra (or possibly Mavs/Yos/El Cap if in your purchases already). http://support.apple.com/kb/HT201372

 

[Weaselboy]

I recently bought an old 2010 macbook pro 13 and trying to do a factory reset.

What OS version do you have on there now? If you have Lion 10.7 or better, you can just download Sierra then make a USB key installer following the instructions on post #3 above. Then option key boot to the USB key and erase the disk with Disk Utility and install the OS.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Good point @Weaselboy, I was assuming it's not booting currently. If it is booting, even if it has Snow Leopard you could do the same. You'd just have to do it in two steps; first install El Capitan using the link in https://support.apple.com/kb/HT206886 and then install Sierra - or use that same article to make an El Capitan USB installer, the article covers everything from Mavericks on up.