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Noelczar Author

Level 1

5 points

I found a MacBook in trash. How do I wipe it so I can use it

I dumpster dived a MacBook. Can I wipe it so I can use it? I do not have the password of previous owner

Posted on Mar 25, 2021 1:57 PM

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

60,284 points

Posted on Mar 25, 2021 5:03 PM

You will need to perform a clean install of macOS by first erasing the whole physical drive while booted from Recovery Mode or a bootable macOS USB installer or original OSX DVD before you select "Install macOS".

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

How to create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

You will need to figure out the exact model of the laptop by entering the serial number here or here. Then you will need to find out which versions of macOS are compatible. We can tell you what version of macOS a particular laptop supports if you post the exact model number here.

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I found a MacBook in trash. How do I wipe it so I can use it

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