How to prepare old MBP for sale

[BostonIT]

Hi there,

I just got a new 2015 rMBP 13", and I'm going to try and sell my trusty early 2008 MBP 15.4". I've never sold a system after using it, and was wondering if the steps I have taken are enough?

- Backed up all data, deleted all data and signed out of Find my device and iCloud (and wiped out all contacts/calendars/mail)
- Rebooted and erased the C drive completely
- Downloaded and installed Yosemite using my Apple ID through disk utility

Will this make it impossible for any old data of mine to be retrieved by the new owner?

Thanks for your help.

 

[GGJstudios]

What to do before selling or giving away your Mac
How to prepare your Mac for sale

 

[newellj]

I think I would have encrypted the disk before I erased it and reinstalled the OS via internet recovery, but that's probably gilding the lily. That would prevent or at least significantly deter anyone from trying to recover your data, especially in areas that hadn't been heavily overwritten. Probably OCD or paranoia at work!

 

[BostonIT]

Thanks guys for your help. One question I have is...I forgot to deauthorize the computer from iTunes. If I reinstall Yosemite, am I able to then sign into iTunes and deauthorize it? I could then do another clean install.

Thanks!

 

[Joelburman]

Thanks guys for your help. One question I have is...I forgot to deauthorize the computer from iTunes. If I reinstall Yosemite, am I able to then sign into iTunes and deauthorize it? I could then do another clean install.

Thanks!

I wouldn't bother with it. Just send out the auto-refresh your iTunes accounts. I don't think its even possible to remove that certain iTunes activation after you have installed it over with a fresh install which it sounds like you've already have done.

 

[newellj]

Thanks guys for your help. One question I have is...I forgot to deauthorize the computer from iTunes. If I reinstall Yosemite, am I able to then sign into iTunes and deauthorize it? I could then do another clean install.

Thanks!

You get five concurrent authorized machines on a single ID. If that is a concern, you can deauthorize all users, but the iTunes store only lets you do that once a year. Obviously any other people using that iTunes ID would need to reauthorize their computers, so give 'em a heads-up if you do that.

 

[SavMBP15]

I'm assuming the OP does not have an SSD installed because of the age of the system.

But my question is this: What if the hard drive is an SSD? What do people do when getting rid of them (sell or give away) since it is next to impossible to secure erase an SSD.

Is FDE the only option and then reinstall the OS?

 

[newellj]

I'm assuming the OP does not have an SSD installed because of the age of the system.

But my question is this: What if the hard drive is an SSD? What do people do when getting rid of them (sell or give away) since it is next to impossible to secure erase an SSD.

Is FDE the only option and then reinstall the OS?

Encrypt. What's left behind is nothing that anyone short of the NSA is likely to be able to deal with.

 

[BostonIT]

That is correct, it is just a regular 5400 RPM HDD.

I believe I have taken all necessary steps, deauthorized itunes, and now entered an Apple ID to download and install Yosemite.

I entered my ID, downloaded and it is at the Yosemite setup screen for a new user.

Do I need to be concerned that I entered my Apple ID to download and install Yosemite in the first place? I'm assuming that was just to download/install and will not be retained past the setup. Could someone confirm that?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Joelburman]

I personally didin't re-enter my Apple ID when I sold my mac mini. I just clean installed it so that the setup screen is the first someone gets when pouring it on after buying it.

 

[campyguy]

Do I need to be concerned that I entered my Apple ID to download and install Yosemite in the first place? I'm assuming that was just to download/install and will not be retained past the setup. Could someone confirm that?

Anytime I leave personal info on a PC/Mac, I'm concerned - I'm pretty smart, but there's always somebody smarter out there IMO...

I've readied one rMBP for sale, and I used the same DL and install method. I'll be posting it on CL, and maybe the Marketplace.

First thing I did after the install reboot, I logged into my original admin account, created a new admin account with a dummy name, then deleted my original admin account. From the dummy admin account, I logged into iCloud and enabled Find My Mac - I use an iCloud account that is NOT associated with my App/iTS accounts, so my account tied to Find My Mac/iPhone is "disposable" anyway. With the Find My Mac option enabled, I can track that sucker if I get mugged. I generally make a sale near a local police station - I'm a tall, big guy with a NY attitude but a handgun trumps my attitude every time...

I do NOT use my App/iTS credentials in the dummy admin account. System updates can still be DLed & applied without logging in to the MAS.

At the sale, I collect the cash, put it in the glovebox (next to my Glock...), I log out of Find My Mac, delete my iCloud account, then have the buyer create a new admin account, then delete my dummy account. This takes less than 5 minutes - less time than it takes to drive to the POS. Then I turn on the Find iPhone app on my iPhone and make sure the subject Mac is removed (or remove the Mac directly from the Find iPhone app).

My last bit of resale safety "insurance" is to remove my Mac from the My Apple Support profile and notify the new owner that the Mac can be registered in their profile (I almost always sell my Macs before AC expires, so the new owner has an option to get the Mac repaired under the AC warranty).

I hope all of this helps!

 

[dupuytren]

That is correct, it is just a regular 5400 RPM HDD.

I believe I have taken all necessary steps, deauthorized itunes, and now entered an Apple ID to download and install Yosemite.

I entered my ID, downloaded and it is at the Yosemite setup screen for a new user.

Do I need to be concerned that I entered my Apple ID to download and install Yosemite in the first place? I'm assuming that was just to download/install and will not be retained past the setup. Could someone confirm that?

Thanks again for the help.

Can someone please confirm this? I did the same ie entered my Apple ID to install Yosemite then once it starts up again after installation I switch the comp off before selling it on...is this safe?

 

[z31fanatic]

It would be better to create a bootable USB thumb drive with Yosemite than wipe the hard drive and boot from the USB drive. When you get to the screen where it asks you to select the language, press Command + Q and the computer will power off. Now it's just like when you buy the Mac when it was new. Ready for the new owner to complete the installation process with his/her personal info.

It's what I did when I sold my early 2008 MBP one week ago.

 

[dupuytren]

Can someone please confirm this? I did the same ie entered my Apple ID to install Yosemite then once it starts up again after installation I switch the comp off before selling it on...is this safe?

damn I didn't think of creating a bootable usb drive so I've done the above and have already sold my Mac this afternoon...
I left it on the select language screen then switched it off...
really hope i didn't leave my Apple ID on there from installing Yosemite
I feel borderline suicidal now

 

[Weaselboy]

Can someone please confirm this? I did the same ie entered my Apple ID to install Yosemite then once it starts up again after installation I switch the comp off before selling it on...is this safe?

You are totally safe. All that does is allow you to do the download. That does not connect your machine to the AppleID or leave the AppleID on the machine at all.