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Preparing Mac Air for Sale
- Thread starter lcjjdnh
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...but before... I recommend a full disk encryption with FileVault and then... do the Cmd+R to re-install. This will prevent next owner finding those files you wouldnd't want anyone to see 
...but before... I recommend a full disk encryption with FileVault and then... do the Cmd+R to re-install. This will prevent next owner finding those files you wouldnd't want anyone to see
This is misleading. If the data is already on the drive unencrypted, enabling the encryption may add another layer of obfuscation but does not prevent the data from being reached if the new owner is truly interested in getting it. IE, it is a great measure to take but is far from 100% effective.
Also, encryption can be broken given the right resources and amount of time.
For 99% of users, it should suffice to format the drive and reinstall OSX.
If you do have data that cannot be seen by others (say, nuclear launch codes or something that would land you in jail...), you should remove the HDD and destroy it professionally.
Well you're taking this wwwway out of context with your NSA-like comment. I'm not talking about launch codes, but a simple way to "remove" personal stuff. No one will care to spend days decrypting your cat pictures
Well you're taking this wwwway out of context with your NSA-like comment. I'm not talking about launch codes, but a simple way to "remove" personal stuff. No one will care to spend days decrypting your cat pictures
I was just making the OP aware that your suggestion is a good one but not a perfect solution.
Also, this has nothing to do the NSA. I just used that as a rather extreme example. A lot of us probably have some work related documents on our macs at some point or another; these are sensitive pieces of data that could ruin your life if they are leaked.
It is not misleading at all. If you encrypt the data then after that erase it, someone would first have to recover the data from the now erased drive then also decrypt it. I have yet to see even one report of Filevault encryption being cracked much less cracking it after recovering the core storage image from an erased drive. If you have some information about Filevault encryption being cracked I would like to see it.
I don't believe it has been cracked. I was referring to the existing unencrypted information on the disk being potentially recoverable, not the new data that is encrypted.
I don't think you understand how Filevault (FV) works. If OP turns on FV, everything on the disk is encrypted including existing data. The entire boot volume is encrypted and turned into an encrypted OS X core storage volume. If you turn on FV then erase the drive that data is gone forever.
To the OP, restart your computer, hold down the Command key and R key. Choose Disk Utility. Erase and select Secure Erase under options. You can choose the level of Secure erase (7 Pass if, like they said above, you have top secret stuff to get rid of...).
That should do it. It will take a while to do a Secure Erase.
Then re-install the operating system.
That should do it. It will take a while to do a Secure Erase.
Then re-install the operating system.
Secure erase is blocked (greyed out) in Disk Util for flash based storage Mac like the OP's Air. Using FileVault like RightMACatU suggested is the best option for security.
That's strange but you are absolutely correct. I had not noticed that before.
Thanks for the info...
I can still do that. But will we be able to swap Apple IDs later, so he's not using my App Store account, getting my iMessages, etc.?
What OS is running on there now? I thought you reinstalled Mavericks?
Al he needs to do it open the App Store app ion this or another Mac and "purchase" (free) Mavericks with his AppleID. Then when he does the command-r recovery he can use his AppleID that was used to obtain Mavs.
Thanks. No OS on there now. I suppose I can reinstall Mavericks with my ID, but won't it just tell me that Mavericks is already downloaded when I go into the App Store--even if I sign out? He does not currently have a Mac.
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Also, I just get a spinning circle even when I try to sign in, saying it's trying to sign into the Mac store.
Just go ahead and install with your AppleID and when the setup wizard starts just command-q to quit and give him the machine. Then when he starts it will run the setup and let him make an account etc. Then he can go to the App Store and "purchase" Mavs with his AppleID and all will be well.
I assumed you didn't have access to the Mac anymore. If you do, then you should just get a prompt on boot up, so that you can install the system. Use your apple ID to install it and that's it.
If you've formatted the disk as you said, then he will have a clean install. The only thing is, if you registered the machine with your ID in iTunes then you/he will have to unregister it (two clicks really).
I did this clean install a couple of weeks ago when I was replacing my Air.
If you've formatted the disk as you said, then he will have a clean install. The only thing is, if you registered the machine with your ID in iTunes then you/he will have to unregister it (two clicks really).
I did this clean install a couple of weeks ago when I was replacing my Air.
Nope... as long as you just install and do not login to iTunes or Messages or anything, it will cause no issues.