iMac a1174 2006 How to restore factory OS? I don't have the password and it doesn't boot into recovery mode (cmd-r) or Startup Manager (control)

tennisShoe wrote:

I am trying to reinstall a fresh OS on an old iMac (a1174) that doesn't appear to be able to boot into recovery mode. I don't have the password, so I can't login.

I tried downloading a .dmg file and tried to boot from a .dmg on a USB, but I can't get it to go to Startup Mode.

Do I need to get the original CDs to install the OS? If so, where do I get them?

Yes. You can try Amazon or Ebay.

Why do you want to reset it to factory? You know it's considered obsolete by Apple and has no retail value and has limited internet use due to it's Safari being to old for modern sites.

If you're worried about the data on the drive you can open up the iMac and remove the drive before you recycle it.

I'm sure you understand the computer is close to 20 years old and finding DVDs for it will be impossible. Apple stopped making the DVDs about 10 years ago. Your best bet with a 2006 is simply to take it to your local Apple Store for free recycling or if you don't have a store in your area, you can use their free mail-in recycling. Please click Apple Recycling Programs