Wiping MBP before return to Apple store?

[logicpro7]

Ok,
I am due to take my MacBook into the Apple store on saturday which they could possibly replace it due to all the problems i have had with it.

I have my log in which is password protected and a guest login with no password.

I want to protect my passwords and data etc so will they be safe. Is it best to just do a back up and reinstall OSX before i go? Or is there a better option for me?

Cheers Guys. 🙂

 

[clyde2801]

Depends how sensitive the data you have on it is. Considering you can reset the password with an install disc, and your machine will be in the hands of the people who designed/made it, I don't think it would be much of an effort for them to retrieve your data if they wanted it.

BTW, what was wrong with your machine?

 

[logicpro7]

Depends how sensitive the data you have on it is. Considering you can reset the password with an install disc, and your machine will be in the hands of the people who designed/made it, I don't think it would be much of an effort for them to retrieve your data if they wanted it.

BTW, what was wrong with your machine?

Thanks, i have 11 different faults with it and i am lucky i purchased AppleCare with it.

So, would you suggest a fresh OSX install?

 

[clyde2801]

Again, depends how sensitive your por-uh I mean, data-on the machine is. If it's emails with lolcats from friends, I wouldn't worry. If its banking information, or you're a CIA operative, I definitely would.

 

[sickmacdoc]

Thanks, i have 11 different faults with it and i am lucky i purchased AppleCare with it.

So, would you suggest a fresh OSX install?

If you really feel that there is a chance they might replace it (since we don't have an idea on how old it is or anything it is hard to venture a guess on that) I would suggest that for your peace of mind you reformat it just in case. I'm sure I would in the same situation that you face.

After all a full backup is an essential for any machine from my point of view in the first place, so doing a clone of it and then reinstalling OSX on the internal drive whether or not they wind up replacing it is a good thing. 😀 Even if they don't replace it, restoring a cloned drive is not a hugely time consuming process and as a side benefit your restored drive winds up being de-fragmented in the process!

 

[logicpro7]

ok,
I think I will do that as I have my banking details and credit card info from websites I have purchased from. Also a few porno pics of my wife 😉

 

[bitesize]

Boot it up using the OS X install disc, go to Disk Utility then use the erase option. You can pick either zero out, 7pass or 35pass. Each one taking longer than the other. I did the zero out option with my 320GB and it took about 1hr45mins. Then after that, you install OSX.