How to reset a macbook completely?

[bmansports17]

Hello,

I am considering buying myself a new macbook, and giving my friend the one I have now.
Is it possible to reset or wipe my macbook to the original settings?
Is it possible to reset it to where it seems brand new?

Please let me know.
Thanks

 

[alust2013]

If you have the disks that came with it, you just need to boot from the OS X install disk and reformat the hard drive, and reinstall the OS. If it came with Leopard and you bought snow leopard, you can also use the disk you upgraded with.

 

[Dalton63841]

Check this out: Reset

It says its for Leopard, but the process works for Snow Leopard as well.

Actually this will keep the apps you have installed, but removes all the users, the users docs and all, and makes it start up with the video and setup assistant like new the next time it is booted.

 

[bmansports17]

Thanks for the responses.
they were both helpful.
I may have an apple advisor walk me through it on the phone, just so i do not mess anything up.

 

[jenzjen]

If you have the disks that came with it, you just need to boot from the OS X install disk and reformat the hard drive, and reinstall the OS. If it came with Leopard and you bought snow leopard, you can also use the disk you upgraded with.

+1, probably will take 2 hours of your time but ensures everything is back to factory fresh. If you are paranoid, you can secure erase your disk during the re-install process (I would) but not necessary unless you had some private stuff stored on the HD.

 

[R94N]

Thanks for the responses.
they were both helpful.
I may have an apple advisor walk me through it on the phone, just so i do not mess anything up.

Nice idea. That's probably the best thing to do. I've heard the Apple customer support on the phone are really helpful. Good luck!