Verifying Files Were Deleted
I deleted all the files (I think) from the iMac I am turning in for credit on a new iMac and reloaded the operating system. How can I check to see that all of my files, etc. have actually been deleted?
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What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac
If you followed all the direction in above link - this is nothing to worry about
You do realize - to verified all the files waste actually deleted would required you to Rest the Computer with your user ID and Created a New User Account on this computer. That would effectively negate was was just done.
Should the user find this not to be satisfactory >>
Scorched Earth Method
This method will WIPE ALL Data and there is No Recovery - Period.
>> Only works on Intel Based Apple Computer
To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer.
The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer
This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer. Example : Bootable Installer of Big Sur would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Big Sur.
Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can not be used.
Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.
Extra Special Notation regarding the Touch ID equipped Apple Computer.
About Startup Security Utility and Must Enable from Recovery Mode the ability to boot from External Drive Before Attempting
1 - Shutdown computer and disconnect all external drive Except the newly created Bootable Installer.
2- Restart and immediately hold the OPTION key until the Startup Manager appears and choose the USB Drive.
3 - It will present options >> Disk Utilities >> View >> View ALL attached Drives.
4 - Choose the Upper Most Drive ( not the volumes indented and list below ).
5 - The drive normally is called Apple Media or Apple SSD - that is the drive to Erase and format as APFS with the GUID Partition Map. This applies to macOS 10.14 Mojave and above.
5A - Formatting for macOS 10.13 High Sierra and below requires HFS Journaled with the GUID Partition Map
6 - Once that is done >> backup out of Disk Utilities and choose install macOS.
7 - Follow the prompts and it may automatically reboot several time.
8 - Upon a final reboot - Setup Assist will present with the newer version of macOS.
9 - Use the Power Button to Turn Off the computer