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Kernville Author

Level 1

4 points

Reinstalling Mac OS X on old laptop

In the process of trying to erase my old MacBook to give to a friend, I think I erased too much. When I restart the computer it shows a flashing folder with a question mark in it. I’ve tried reinstalling Mac OS X but every time I enter my Apple ID/password, it says it’s not valid. I’m 100% certain that the password/Apple ID is correct and even changed it to cover all the bases and it’s still saying that. It’s sending me a confirmation about my attempts to my cell phone and I’m approving each. My phone gives me a code to enter on the old laptop but it’s not asking for a code, just saying the login id/password isn’t correct.

what am I missing? Just trying to fix erasing more than I should have 🤦‍♀️

MacBook, OS X 10.11

Posted on Nov 5, 2022 3:45 PM

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

60,332 points

Posted on Nov 5, 2022 7:32 PM

What is the exact model of the Mac? You can get the exact model by entering the system serial number here:

Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support

If you have a late-2009 or newer Intel Mac which had macOS 10.12.6+ installed at some point in the past, then you should be able to boot into Internet Recovery Mode using Command + Option + R. Using this method to access Internet Recovery Mode should not require any AppleID.

If Internet Recovery Mode isn't working and this is a 2010 or earlier Mac, then you boot using an OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard DVD or the original 10.6 Restoration DVD (which one depends on the exact model of the Mac).

FYI, here is what you should do to prepare a Mac for sale:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support

When you erased the drive, you should have quit Disk Utility instead of rebooting, then selected the "Reinstall macOS" option which would have prevented all these problems.

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Reinstalling Mac OS X on old laptop

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