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tubby edwards
Level 2 (395 points)

Q: 7 pass erase and re-install to get setup assistant launch

i am only moments away from beginiing the re-installation process on an iMac after having run the 7 pass erase prior to sale. is there a way i can supply the new user with a computer that will provide the full first time registration experience? i had read about opening terminal utility and typing in the prompt
sudo rm/var/db/.AppleSetupDone
will this work after a complete erasure? if not, what steps need i follow to re-install the OS and prompt the computer to begin the first time user registration and all the rest?
thanks

iMac intel duo core 500GB

Posted on May 3, 2008 12:00 PM

by joshz,Solvedanswer
joshz joshz
Level 4 (3,280 points)
A:
Since you want iLife, follow these steps:
1. Erase the drive.
2. Erase+Install the system that came with the mac.
4. Shut down NOT running setup assistant.
5. Upgrade-install to Leopard.
6. Shut down NOT running setup assistant.

That's all there is to it.

Good luck!

Posted on May 3, 2008 4:30 PM

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tubby edwards

Q: 7 pass erase and re-install to get setup assistant launch

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  • Helpful answers

  • by nerowolfe,

    nerowolfe nerowolfe May 3, 2008 2:46 PM in response to tubby edwards
    Level 6 (13,075 points)
    May 3, 2008 2:46 PM in response to tubby edwards
    tubby edwards wrote:
    i am only moments away from beginiing the re-installation process on an iMac after having run the 7 pass erase prior to sale. is there a way i can supply the new user with a computer that will provide the full first time registration experience? i had read about opening terminal utility and typing in the prompt
    sudo rm/var/db/.AppleSetupDone
    will this work after a complete erasure? if not, what steps need i follow to re-install the OS and prompt the computer to begin the first time user registration and all the rest?
    thanks

    I believe you just install Leopard and after the final boot, do NOT continue with the registration but simply hold down the OFF button. You will not corrupt the system - it's still in the text mode.
    The next time it is started it will be exactly on the screen you last saw.

  • by tubby edwards,

    tubby edwards tubby edwards May 3, 2008 3:33 PM in response to nerowolfe
    Level 2 (395 points)
    May 3, 2008 3:33 PM in response to nerowolfe
    that is what i found, but i still have to install Leopard, as this is a Tiger system.
    you are right, turning it off prior to registration does return to the "Welcome..." set up when restarted, but i don't think i can install Leopard without sacrificing this new computer gem of an intro. or can i? i visited the "Terminal" utility and it had an enigmatic code in the window, but it was definitely me, since part of it was my user name. i am wondering if installing all the upgrades and then returning to this prompt (in "Terminal"), and replacing it with the
    sudo rm/var/db/.AppleSetupDone is what i need to do. after a 19 hour erase, however, i want to be certain.
    thanks again. what a night.

  • by joshz,

    joshz joshz May 3, 2008 3:35 PM in response to tubby edwards
    Level 4 (3,280 points)
    May 3, 2008 3:35 PM in response to tubby edwards
    Just do an erase and install of Leopard, then hold the power button before doing any registration.

    Good luck!

  • by tubby edwards,

    tubby edwards tubby edwards May 3, 2008 3:52 PM in response to joshz
    Level 2 (395 points)
    May 3, 2008 3:52 PM in response to joshz
    like, load the disc holding the "c" key and install Leopard? will this allow me to bypass the "Welcome..." intro, install Leopard, turn the unit off and later return to a Leopard system and the "Welcome..." intro? say i wanted to install iLife, as well, all the while preserving the innocent newborn qualities of the mac...
    can it be done? is it just a dream? if so, don't feel that i will find a decidedly descriptive set of steps as being condescending. it will only save me from writing posts to ask what may seem obvious to some. sadly, i am rarely in the "some" group.

  • by joshz,Solvedanswer

    joshz joshz May 3, 2008 4:30 PM in response to tubby edwards
    Level 4 (3,280 points)
    May 3, 2008 4:30 PM in response to tubby edwards
    Since you want iLife, follow these steps:
    1. Erase the drive.
    2. Erase+Install the system that came with the mac.
    4. Shut down NOT running setup assistant.
    5. Upgrade-install to Leopard.
    6. Shut down NOT running setup assistant.

    That's all there is to it.

    Good luck!

  • by tubby edwards,

    tubby edwards tubby edwards May 3, 2008 7:00 PM in response to joshz
    Level 2 (395 points)
    May 3, 2008 7:00 PM in response to joshz
    thanks for the help...
    being a mac, it sold like hotmaccakes! i didn't even have time to upgrade to Leopard. as it turns out, the buyer has both iLife and Leopard for her PowerBook. all is well. thanks again.

  • by joshz,

    joshz joshz May 4, 2008 5:13 AM in response to tubby edwards
    Level 4 (3,280 points)
    May 4, 2008 5:13 AM in response to tubby edwards
    You're welcome! And thanks for the !