Q: I was given an iMac, which i used and upgraded to El Capitan. I don't know what the original OS on the iMac was. I went through steps 1-5, but the only option I had was to reinstall OS X with my applestore credentials. What should I do?
I was given an iMac, which i used and upgraded to El Capitan. I don't know what the original OS on the iMac was. I went through steps 1-5 of "what to do before selling or giving away your Mac, but the only option I had for reinstall was with my applestore credentials. What should I do? Is there a way to go back to the "original" OS of the iMac?
iPhone 4S, iOS 8.2
Posted on Aug 21, 2016 9:05 PM
Depending on the vintage of the computer, the OS X on DVD media
that was originally included when new, with the Mac, would be the
correct install-restore disc set to include with the computer if or when
it was sold, traded, or given away.
Usually an older computer that has been upgraded via the path of
OS X 10.6.8 (via install DVD, to access Mac App Store, & upgrade)
has to use the disc media method. If the old computer shipped
with a Mac OS X prior to Snow Leopard 10.6, then retail install disc
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
DVD for Snow Leopard 10.6.3 would need to be purchased from
the Apple store online. The cost is approximately $20. Further update
to that system is available via Software Update. Beyond that, the
upgrade path is by the Mac App Store and use of a users AppleID.
Some models of Mac shipped with a machine series specific 10.6
system disc that has a grey color label; that install-restore disc is
key (if missing, call Apple w/ product serial number; ask, to buy it.)
Good luck & happy computing!
Posted on Aug 21, 2016 9:28 PM