how to restore mac air to original factory settings?

You can't get it exactly back to factory settings, as new units come preinstalled with the OS and iLife ready for the first user info to be inputted.

The nearest you can get without access to a virgin MB Air, is to boot from the USB memory stick that comes with the Air and use Disk Utility to reformat the drive, then install OS X and shut down just after installation promts for a username.

The new user will then be prompted for their details and will only have to install the iLife from the USB stick in order to get it to an almost identical state to new.

AbsoluteComputers pretty much nailed it. That is the most you can do, when you sell it make sure you advise the new owner they have to install the iLife apps by using the install key that comes with the computer. It should be straight forward.

I just got a MBA 13, 2 days ago, is there supposed to be a USB Memory Stick that comes with it and has the OS-Lion on it? Or do I have to call Apple to get that?

Hi, can you explain what is "the install key" that comes with the computer. It is not like a CD or DVD that you can just insert and input a sequecne of digits. I don't see the iLife software on the dock?

The new Mac mini and MacBook Air do not ship with a thumb drive (USB Memory Stick). This is because there is a built-in recovery partition that (reboot holding the Option key and you'll see it appear) takes the place of the thumb drive. If you completely wipe the hard disk, you'll likely lose the recovery partition...in which case...the MBA will download the complete OS X Lion from the internet to restore the system. You can now purchase a thumb drive from Apple ($69) if you like.

I did not find any of the replies above to be helpful, but did manage to find an excellent reply from Kappy here...

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3269952?start=0&tstart=0

PS - The instructions are also in the manual that came with your computer although less thorough than Kappy.

I have just recieved two MBA a couple of my users insisted upon.

Let me see if I understand this correctly: There is no recovery option available with the laptops as they're shipped beyond paying an additional $69 for the USB devices. Is this correct?

Let me see if I understand this correctly: There is no recovery option available with the laptops as they're shipped beyond paying an additional $69 for the USB devices. Is this correct?

No that is not correct, the machines ship with no media however there is a recovery partition pre-installed with all versions of Lion. To access it simply reboot while holding down the Option key and choose it. One of the nice things about Lion is if a machine has a catastrophic failure and either the SSD or Internal HD is ruined once replaced all that is needed is an Internet connection. The machine will then make a connection to Apple and begin downloading Lion from the net. Therefore no media is necessary. However if you are still an unbeliever then yes you can get USB device you mention.

Thank you for the reply, I do appreciate it.

I work in law enforcement, so the ability to securely remove all data before a machine changes hands or is retired is something of a "must have".

Your welcome, glad to have helped. You also may benefit by reading one of these articles:

Prepare a Mac For Sale

Preparing your Mac for sale

Thanks again.

Yes, generally when I decomission a Mac I use the DVD/CD which ships with it to zero all data with multiple passes, however didn't see any such option with the MBA, which was a little concerning for me. All docs I found in my Google returned saying there should be a USB drive shipping with this.

The inability to reformat and reinstall without a functioning internet connection is a bit concerning for me, however that's mostly just a personal peeve.

You can also create your own Lion start up media. Here is a link on instructions for doing so:

http://www.tuaw.com/2011/08/11/build-your-own-lion-install-usb-thumb-drive-for-c heap/

This is really intended for those that download Lion from an upgrade, I don't know if this would work with a machine that had Lion pre-installed.

Let's face it media is eventually going to disappear. Apple has made that clear by introducing the App Store and the MBA's don't even have a media drive. While we not like it it's the way things are going.

Message was edited by: rkaufmann87

Hi, I am trying to restore my Macbook Air (2011) to original. However after I used the Disk Uilti and erase the main partition, I rebooted the Macbook with Command+R. There is no Recovery HD available. Then I started a internet recovery, however there is an error -3400F.

How can I go on from here ?

We cant help you without knowing what version of OS X you have loaded

It's OS X Lion.. Comes loaded in the MacBook Air. I believe only OS X Lion has Recovery Hd and Internet Recovery, am I correct ?

The Recovery HD is missing and the Internet Recovery gave me an error MSG of -3400F