Wiping a MacBook with Snow Leopard and no discs...

[itsjustmeee]

I'm giving an old macbook with 10.6.8 on it to a friend. What would be the easiest way to wipe it and reset everything without the disks? I was thinking that I could download and update it to Mountain Lion and then go from there if that's a possibility.

Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[GGJstudios]

I'm giving an old macbook with 10.6.8 on it to a friend. What would be the easiest way to wipe it and reset everything without the disks? I was thinking that I could download and update it to Mountain Lion and then go from there if that's a possibility.

Yes, you can do that, although the ML installation would be tied to your Apple ID, instead of your friend's. Or, if you want to stay on SL, you can order replacement discs for your model by calling Apple (800-767-2775 in the US).

If you're on Snow Leopard or earlier:

Mac 101: Preparing your old Mac for sale or recycling​

If you're on Lion or later:

OS X Lion: About Lion Recovery
Apple - OS X Lion Recovery - Introducing Lion Recovery
Perform a Clean Install of OS X Lion on Your Mac​

 

[itsjustmeee]

Yes, you can do that. Or, if you want to stay on SL, you can order replacement discs for your model by calling Apple (800-767-2775 in the US).

It would probably be easier to just update the OS. I believe i can then hold down the option key while rebooting and reset everything .... is that correct?

 

[GGJstudios]

It would probably be easier to just update the OS. I believe i can then hold down the option key while rebooting and reset everything .... is that correct?

You can, but as I said, the ML would be tied to your Apple ID, which the new user may need if they have to upgrade or reinstall in the future.

 

[itsjustmeee]

You can, but as I said, the ML would be tied to your Apple ID, which the new user may need if they have to upgrade or reinstall in the future.

So after I downloaded and installed ML, there is no way to just "hit the reset button" and wipe the computer so that it's basically new at that point?

 

[GGJstudios]

So after I downloaded and installed ML, there is no way to just "hit the reset button" and wipe the computer so that it's basically new at that point?

You can, but the ML will still be tied to your Apple ID. If you don't want that, you'll need to get a replacement install disc from Apple, so you can put back the SL that originally shipped with the computer. Then the new user can upgrade (or not) as they choose.

 

[itsjustmeee]

I just figured out the easy way. I created admin user account for this person I'm giving it to and then logged back in as him and deleted the old user account.

 

[GGJstudios]

I just figured out the easy way. I created admin user account for this person I'm giving it to and then logged back in as him and deleted the old user account.

That doesn't remove all user data, as some apps store such data in system library folders. But if that works for you, cool.

 

[itsjustmeee]

That doesn't remove all user data, as some apps store such data in system library folders. But if that works for you, cool.

Yeah, this will be fine under these circumstances. This is a very close relative who's a senior citizen and it's his 1st computer.

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Good solution!