Recycling iMac (2009) File Vault?

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Level 1

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Recycling iMac (2009) File Vault?

I am trying to safely recycle my daughter's iMac (2009). I have signed out of I-Cloud etc and switched off location services. I also switched on File Vault, but was unable to erase the drive in Disc UtiIities as it was greyed out. I switched the computer off and am now having difficulty in getting back in using the recovery key code as it wants me to reset my daughter's password and I do not have my daughter's gmail password nor her Apple ID.

Have I already done enough to make the computer safe to recycle by switching on File Vault or do I now need professional help?

Posted on Aug 30, 2023 1:23 AM

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Answer 1

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ku4hx

Level 7

23,694 points

Aug 30, 2023 4:20 AM in response to sehila276

gmail has nothing to do with making the Mac recycle ready.

This is what you do: What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

Your daughter should be able to provide you with her passwords. Since the idea is to destroy all data on the drive, privacy is hardly an issue. But that's between you and your daughter.

Since you're recycling the Mac, there is no need to install an OS.

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Answer 2

ku4hx

Level 7

23,694 points

Aug 30, 2023 6:38 AM in response to sehila276

There is no mention of FileVault in the procedure; likely because you are expected to wipe the drive.

FileVault is there to increase security. Having it on for a Mac headed to recycling seems to be a moot point to me. Unless you have the code needed to unlock it, what's to worry about?

In cases like yours, and I've had a couple, I believe in the old fashioned "sledge hammer" approach to data security. Since what you have is 12 pounds of so of garbage, treating it like garbage is a no harm no foul situation.

My fix in these cases is to open the case and drill a series of 1/4" holes in the HDD and logic board then tape it back together and off to recycling. Nobody cares if the garbage iMac has more damage. Can you even claim to "damage" garbage?

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Answer 3

sehila276 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 30, 2023 5:50 AM in response to ku4hx

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

Agreed that gmail is not to do with recycling but the computer is asking for the gmail password or Apple ID before it will let me back in.

I am not able to contact my daughter at the moment to get passwords.

I have followed the Apple Support instructions that you refer me to but as I said the option to erase the drive was greyed out on my machine so I was unable to complete those instructions. As I can't now get back into the computer I am wondering if I have already done enough.

My question really is: is it enough to have switched on File Vault? Yes or no?

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Recycling iMac (2009) File Vault?

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