I just picked up a used Mac mini. The previous owner did get all his stuff off the HD, but he didn't format it, so it still has his user name, login stuff, password, etc. It's running Tiger, so I popped in its Tiger install disk, but it requires his password to reinstall. Can I use my existing Tiger DVD (from when I bought the upgrade for my now dead Powerbook) to format and reinstall?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Format/re-installing OS X?
- Thread starter hassouni
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
You should be able to use his Tiger DVD. Just pop the disc in, and reboot holding down the C key as it starts up. This will boot from the disc and off you go with your fresh install (Erase & Install).
Insert the Tiger DVD into your Mac mini and restart while holding down "C" at the Apple screen (if this doesn't work, try holding down Option).
This should load the Mac OS X installer, from there you can go to Utilities > Disk Utility to format the hard drive. To do this, go to Utilities > Disk Utility, and then select the disk you want to format. Go to the Erase tab and click on Erase. Once this is done, close Disk Utility.
Mac OS X Installer should then allow you to install a fresh copy of Mac OS X on your Mac mini.
This should load the Mac OS X installer, from there you can go to Utilities > Disk Utility to format the hard drive. To do this, go to Utilities > Disk Utility, and then select the disk you want to format. Go to the Erase tab and click on Erase. Once this is done, close Disk Utility.
Mac OS X Installer should then allow you to install a fresh copy of Mac OS X on your Mac mini.