Reset Macbooks to factory settings - don't work

[John Frandsen]

Hi All.

I want to reset my Macbook Pro and my Macbook Air to factory settings, but can't seem to make it work.

Here's how I do:
Shut down the machine, turning on, while holding down the ALT-key and keep holding down the power button until the screen shows alternatives.

I choose the option to restore to factory settings, goes through the rest of the process - but when it's all over and done with, I'm back to how it was before I started...

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance!
John

 

[AppleFreak29]

Fresh start?

Are you trying to wipe your machine so it boots as if a new computer with nothing on it?

 

[ravenvii]

You're reinstalling the OS while keeping settings and files.

I'm assuming you're using a Mac that did not come with a OS disk. I am also assuming you want to install the OS that comes with the machine so you can sell it.

Reboot the computer into internet recovery (NOT the recovery partition). Command + Option + R at startup will get you there.

Once you are able to, go to Disk Utilities, go to your partition (probably called Macintosh HD, unless you renamed it). Erase it.

Now install the OS like normal. You will now have a fresh factory install.

 

[John Frandsen]

Are you trying to wipe your machine so it boots as if a new computer with nothing on it?

Exactly, AppleFreak29!

----------

I'm assuming you're using a Mac that did not come with a OS disk. I am also assuming you want to install the OS that comes with the machine so you can sell it.

Apart from the selling it part, then yes!

Reboot the computer into internet recovery (NOT the recovery partition). Command + Option + R at startup will get you there.

Once you are able to, go to Disk Utilities, go to your partition (probably called Macintosh HD, unless you renamed it). Erase it.

Now install the OS like normal. You will now have a fresh factory install.

Thank you ravenvii! I'll try that when I get home!