How to Erase and Install/get a full wipe and clean install

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Level 1

4 points

How to Erase and Install/get a full wipe and clean install

Some of my 3rd party software has gone buggy, so I want to re-install Snow Leopard as a full wipe, i.e., do an Erase and Install as it used to be known, then re-install the software. My Snow Leopard disc doesn't seem to offer the option, not that i could find--- hoping there's a way.
John
Houston TX USA

macbook pro, Mac OS X (10.6)

Posted on Sep 25, 2010 5:09 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Barney-15E

Level 10

112,638 points

Sep 25, 2010 5:15 AM in response to vondoba

After selecting the language in the installer, select Disk Utility in the Utilities menu. Erase away.

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Answer 2

snkhan

Level 3

677 points

Sep 25, 2010 5:41 AM in response to vondoba

Hello,

I found this official [Apple Support Document|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3200] which will help you through the process.

Please let us know how you get on.

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Answer 3

R C-R

Level 6

17,782 points

Sep 25, 2010 6:19 AM in response to vondoba

If you erase the disk, make absolutely sure you have a backup on some other disk of any of your user files that you want to keep.

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Answer 4

vondoba Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 25, 2010 6:40 AM in response to Barney-15E

Yes, thanks, I was aware of Disk Utilities Erase feature, but I wasn't sure if that was the correct procedure for reloading the full OS as well...

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Answer 5

vondoba Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 25, 2010 6:41 AM in response to R C-R

Thank you R C-R

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Answer 6

vondoba Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 25, 2010 6:42 AM in response to snkhan

Thanks to snkhan!

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Answer 7

Barney-15E

Level 10

112,638 points

Sep 25, 2010 9:05 AM in response to vondoba

In case you're not aware. It is listed as another step in the above linked article, but it doesn't stand out. The bundled software that came with your Mac (most notably iLife) will not be installed with the OS. It is a separate install on the install disks. This is especially important if you are using a retail Snow Leopard install DVD instead of the ones that came with your Mac.

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