Want my Mac Pro 'virgin' again - How?

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Level 1

85 points

Want my Mac Pro 'virgin' again - How?

I have a newish 8 core 3ghz, 250gb boot drive and 2 500gb drives I added running Raid 0.

I'd like to wipe out the boot drive completely and reinstall OS X (getting all the updates of course) so that the machine is a 'virgin' again. In other words, I'd like to have it just like it was when I took it out of the box.

I'm new to Macs as you can tell. Can you give me simple steps to get the machine 'virgin' again? Thanks,

John F

Mac Pro

Posted on Aug 26, 2007 10:34 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 26, 2007 10:54 AM in response to barshnik

Insert Installation DVD 1 and run the Mac OS X insstaller application (it'll make you restart) and when you get to the point where it asks you for a destinateion drive click on the Options button at the bottom and choode "Erase and install". This will erase the destination drive and then installs Mac OS X and bundled software.

Also, if you do an easy install the software installation will be exactly as new. Many however prefer to do a customised installation to reduce disk usage.

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Answer 2

barshnik Author

Level 1

85 points

Aug 26, 2007 1:37 PM in response to infinite vortex

Ned, thanks for your help (as always). I'll copy off a few things and give it a try.

John F

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Answer 3

barshnik Author

Level 1

85 points

Aug 26, 2007 3:31 PM in response to infinite vortex

A problem - here is what happens:

1) I insert Mac OS X Install Disc 1 (the only disc I received with my mac pro)
2) Doubleclick 'Install Mac OS X and Bundled Software
3) I get a Mac OS X Tiger screen telling me I have to restart, I click the 'restart' button
4) It prompts for username and password (username is filled in, I type in the password and continue
5) System restarts from 'install disc'
6) A language screen comes up, I select 'Use English as the main language'
7) I see a 'preparing for install' screen for a half-second, then an Alert box appears -
'This sofware cannot be installed on this computer'.

I'm given a choice to 'restart' (from install disc) or select a 'startup disk' - either .10 from HD or .8 from the 'install disc'.

I tried unplugging everything except the keyboard/mouse, and even unplugged the added Raid drives (they are not boot drives anyway). Any idea what might be wrong? All hardware tests pass.

John F

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Answer 4

Aug 26, 2007 4:04 PM in response to barshnik

Hmmm… sounds like you're using an install DVD from another computer. How bizarre! If you have more than one Mac are you sure you're using the right DVDs?

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Answer 5

Aug 26, 2007 4:29 PM in response to barshnik

If that is indeed your original Mac Pro startup disk, then contact Apple.

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Answer 6

Aug 26, 2007 4:32 PM in response to Bud Kuenzli

" ... Ah, to be a computer and be truly able to re-establish virginity short of unicorn horn ..."

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Answer 7

barshnik Author

Level 1

85 points

Aug 26, 2007 5:32 PM in response to Bud Kuenzli

This is my only Mac, and only Mac disc, so pretty easy to keep track of! Guess I'll be giving Apple a call... Thanks anyway.

John F

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Answer 8

barshnik Author

Level 1

85 points

Aug 27, 2007 7:22 AM in response to barshnik

Called AppleCare, the wrong disc was sent with the computer. Correct discs are being sent via DHL.

BTW, I need it 'virgin' again as FCS2 Compressor has quit working after doing updates, like many others - seems to be a problem with QuickTime 7.2

John F

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