Macbook 2008 Factory Reset Help

[AdamHG]

I inherited a Macbook from a friend, I cannot seem to factory reset it.
Specs:

MacBook 3,1
Mac OS X - Version 10.5.8

It's old I know, purchased in 2008. I've tried to reset it via Disk Utility, However when I attempt to "Erase" the options are grayed out and I am not able to select anything. I have used "First Aid" and verified the disk, but I am not able to Repair Disk.

Please help, Thanks,

Adam.

 

[poiihy]

You need an OS X install disk or USB stick. If you have another Mac then download Yosemite and create a USB stick with it. Then boot from the stick on your Macbook and open disk utility and erase the disk. Then install OS X.

 

[AdamHG]

I purchased Mac OS X Snow Leopard Version 10.6.3. One forum I read said that one would need a version closest to the original. However when I attempt to boot from the disk, the laptop just makes a bunch of noise and eventually ejects the disc.

 

[poiihy]

I purchased Mac OS X Snow Leopard Version 10.6.3. One forum I read said that one would need a version closest to the original. However when I attempt to boot from the disk, the laptop just makes a bunch of noise and eventually ejects the disc.

Disk drive could be dirty. It's common for optical drives. Use a lens cleaner disk.

 

[AdamHG]

Thanks. I was able to create a new user and delete the old user. But, Still having trouble installing new disc. I cleaned the disc and used some dust spray inside the laptop. Is it possible my drive is bad?

 

[adam9c1]

It's possible drive is bad.

When you login as that new user, can you insert the disc and read it?

You may want to use another machine to create USB installer from the DVD.


8gb USB drive, format guid, journaled.
Use super duper to clone DVD to USB.

On your 2008 machine, boot from USB.
Power up machine and hold the option key.
Choose the USB flash drive installer.

Launch disk utility and wipe the hard drive, then install OS.

 

[poiihy]

Thanks. I was able to create a new user and delete the old user. But, Still having trouble installing new disc. I cleaned the disc and used some dust spray inside the laptop. Is it possible my drive is bad?

compressed gas duster probably won't help with the optical drive. It could actually make it worse. You don't want to get the propellant sprayed on the lens or it would leave a residue and be even harder to clean. Get a lens cleaner disk (a disk with brushes) and put it in. It will spin up and brush the lens. Put isopropanol alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on the brushes if necessary.

Yes, it is possible the drive is bad, but it is unlikely. The majority of "bad optical drives" just have a dirty lens.

 

[AdamHG]

Thanks guys. in the process of trying to load now