Reformatting an iMac

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Level 1

15 points

Reformatting an iMac

I purchased a used iMac to replace my faithful eMac. When I powered it on, it has an administrator profile that I do not know the password for. I would like to reformat the iMac so that the name of the Admin is me as well as manage all installations (which require password as Admin).

I have an install DVD for Mac OS X Tiger.

What do I need to do this?

How can I move my eMac info (data and files) over to iMac? (I recall a wire between the two was fast and easy)

Is there a faster way to do this instead of complete reformatting?

iMac core 2 20", Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Nov 17, 2010 10:32 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Jay Bullock

Level 4

3,806 points

Nov 17, 2010 10:44 AM in response to T Howard1

You need to one of these:
• Call AppleCare, and give them the serial number for the iMac. They will send you replacements of the original discs that were shipped with the iMac and which should have been included by the seller. Apple will charge you a small fee. If that iMac shipped with Leopard (your profile says 10.5.1), then you can't install Tiger over that.
• Go to any store that sells Apple software (or shop online) and buy Snow Leopard, which your iMac can run. The $29US for Snow Leopard is probably about the same as the fee Apple will charge to replace those original discs.

Once you have the install disc, either the system discs or SL, do an Erase and Install on the iMac, and use Migration Assistant to move your data. It can be done via ethernet cable or FireWire.

You DO actually want to do the reformatting, and you should every time you by used computer. Yes, the seller was probably a good person and didn't leave any nastyware behind, but it always is better to start from scratch.

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Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

411,223 points

Nov 17, 2010 11:14 AM in response to T Howard1

[Kappy: A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs|http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=10257343]

[Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4: Transferring data with Setup Assistant / Migration Assistant FAQ |http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1554]

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Answer 3

T Howard1 Author

Level 1

15 points

Nov 17, 2010 10:52 PM in response to Limnos

Thank you. This was helpful. I'm up and running about 75% down the road to fully moving over.

Just so you know, I ended up buying the Snow Leopard and it allowed me to erase and install. So I bypassed the step of getting the original CDs that came with the iMac. Mac rep helped me with that one and it expedited things.

Also, looking to find out the best way to move iTunes over to the iMac. I don't have iLife, so I don't have an iPhoto app yet to move my pictures over to the iMac. But I will have the software soon.

Any suggestions?

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Answer 4

Nov 18, 2010 2:18 AM in response to T Howard1

Once you have iLife up and running, you should be able to use FireWire target mode (start the mini holding the T key, attached by FireWire to the iMac) and Import from both the iMac's iTunes and iPhoto. Target mode will treat the mini's hard drive as an external drive.

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