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winty03

macrumors regular
Original poster
Can someone tell me how to perform a clean install of Leopard on my mbp. I am new to Macs and want to reload Leopard. Is there a step by step out there? Also I want it to erase/format/delete all files from current install. I am not in need of anything on there. Also will I loose anything doing this? All I have is the mbp and a leopard disc I got when I bought the system. There shouldn't be anything else I need is there?
 
Just boot from the Leopard disk, holding either option or c during startup. Then choose Options/Customize in one of the first panes (I'm not sure which one) and choose Erase & Install.
 
Just insert the DVD, restart the computer, hold down the 'c' key after the startup sound, select your language, click next, select clean install, then OK, wait for Startup Sound again, and "Bob's your Uncle".

TEG
 
Is there anything I am going to loose from my retail bought mbp when I preform the clean install?
 
Is there anything I am going to loose from my retail bought mbp when I preform the clean install?

Thankfully in the world of Mac, you don't get excess trash on OS X from the factory installed version of the OS. Everything will be the same.
 
so just to double check, I am BRAND new to mac. bought it directly form apple, taking out my leopard disc and running a clean install I will have the same programs as I did when I took it out of the box? is there any program that cleans up files when I have trashed an app? thats my concern. I have ran about 15 20 apps I have now trashed and feel there are a ton of files that were left after I trashed the app.
 
so just to double check, I am BRAND new to mac. bought it directly form apple, taking out my leopard disc and running a clean install I will have the same programs as I did when I took it out of the box? is there any program that cleans up files when I have trashed an app? thats my concern. I have ran about 15 20 apps I have now trashed and feel there are a ton of files that were left after I trashed the app.

There's really no need to do any of this, you realize that right? The most apps leave around is a couple tiny plain text (or binary) preference lists which just sit there on your hard drive.

That said, if you install OS X and the bundled programs, you'll have everything your Mac came with originally.
 
Ya I kinda figured that it was not necessary. All I am finding in my black box of "stuff" is disc 1 and 2 of OS X Leopard. How do I get the bundled software iLife?
 
Ya I kinda figured that it was not necessary. All I am finding in my black box of "stuff" is disc 1 and 2 of OS X Leopard. How do I get the bundled software iLife?

iLife and all other bundled software is included on those DVDs.
 
Ok thanks guys for all the heads up! I am more wanting to do it for the experience. I doubt I will reload it in the future because I will have a ton of programs on it and not want to go to the work. Now got nothing on it I need. So here we go! So simple windows was a pita.
 
I just got done installing OS X, how do I go about installing the ilife bundle off the install dsics?
 
If you insert the first DVD that came with the system there's a shortcut that says "Install Bundled Applications Only." That should work.
 
Thanks guys much appreciated! Without you guys I would have never been brave enough. In the end Apple has made it very simple! Thanks Again!
 
If you're worried about the files that the apps leave behind, get either AppDelete (free) or AppZapper ($13). You drag the apps that you want to delete, and it'll get rid of them. Both are great apps, and will get rid of it. 😀 Hope this keeps you from reinstalling Leopard too many times! 😀
 
If I do a clean install " putting leopard disk and holding onto letter C...once it finishes install " is my windows partition gone? or does it stay?
 
So is there an option where you can wipe windows partition when you are reformatting/installing OSX leopard?

Yes, after you've booted up the Leopard DVD you can select Disk Utility from the menubar. From there you'll have access to all your partition settings, just like in Disk Utility on your hard drive.
 
Holding C only brings you to the Disk's installer. The installer is where you can carry out the disk duties, such as wiping a windows partition.
 
Do i have to back-up all my files before doing a clean install?

Also, how often should i do a clean install? every 6 months ?
 
Yes - assuming they're held on the disc you're installing to, as that will be erased during the install.



Never, unless you have a problem. It's not like XP. 🙂
Thanks for your help.

I haven't got a external HD so i'll probably wait until i get one before a do a clean install.
 
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