Need Clean install help

[dlhatton]

I have just purchased a used MBP from Ebay but it did not come with any of the discs or product keys. I would like to do a fresh install of Snow leopard but I don't want to lose the programs. Is there anyway of doing this, sorry if this is a dumb question I am new to Macs.

 

[Prodo123]

I have just purchased a used MBP from Ebay but it did not come with any of the discs or product keys. I would like to do a fresh install of Snow leopard but I don't want to lose the programs. Is there anyway of doing this, sorry if this is a dumb question I am new to Macs.

The only way to get your data back after a fresh install, which includes erasing, formatting and reinstalling, is through a Time Machine restore.
Chances are you will have to buy a new Snow Leopard DVD, along with iLife, since a fresh install does not include iLife.

 

[craighton]

Only chance of doing what you want is getting a Snow Leopard disk. Just go to the Apple store and get a disk so you have it handy for the future. Since Lion is coming out if you want to clean install Lion you have to have the Snow Leopard disk anyways. It is worth it to just get the disk.

 

[Young Spade]

I have just purchased a used MBP from Ebay but it did not come with any of the discs or product keys. I would like to do a fresh install of Snow leopard but I don't want to lose the programs. Is there anyway of doing this, sorry if this is a dumb question I am new to Macs.

Copy the programs and their respective files over to an external HDD or USB stick. Then get the disks from an Apple store/get them sent to you and start over with a fresh install.