iBook G3 Tiger need to reset to factory default

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Level 1

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iBook G3 Tiger need to reset to factory default

I purchased my computer a few months ago from ebay, and got (what I thought) was a great deal. This is my first Apple computer ever. It's a great starterto the Apple system. I'm selling it now and upgrading to a larger memory and better OS. Now, I'm learning that the seller should have included the OS X discs, he/she did not. I've tried contacting the seller numerous times reguarding the discs and they've never responded. =( Although, this is partially my fault because I didn't fully investigate what is needed in the event of resetting the system. (I'm use to Windows) So, I'm stuck trying to figure out how to restore to factory settings without the discs. I have checked ebay for listings and no luck. How do I go about removing my personal data and advising my potential buyer of this? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

iBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Apr 22, 2012 5:32 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

146,252 points

Apr 22, 2012 5:45 PM in response to tiffied

Restoring to factory settings is not possible without either the original system install CD / DVD or a retail OS X disc. You could try contacting Apple to buy an original iBook System Restore disc, but given its age they may no longer have any. If you find one on eBay it must be for the very exact same model iBook. No substitutions.

To erase your personal information, create a new user on the iBook with Admin privileges. Log in as that user and delete your old account. It would be best to "securely erase" your account but I do not believe Tiger gives you that option.

Securely erasing the iBook's HD:

If the iBook is the very first model, Target Disk Mode is not an option, but later models can boot in this mode. Connect its FireWire port to another computer, and boot the iBook while holding T. Its disk can then be visible to another Mac as an external hard disk. Use the other Mac's Disk Utility to erase the iBook.

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Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

418,441 points

Apr 22, 2012 5:44 PM in response to tiffied

Usually we say call Apple Customer Support 1-800-767-2775 (telephone numbers for other countries - http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57). Provide the serial number and specifications of the Mac. They may be able to provide a replacement set of discs for a fee. These discs will be for whatever OS was installed on the computer originally, so if you have an upgraded version you will need to obtain the discs some other way.

Frankly it is unlikely they will still have discs for a computer that old.

It is pretty much impossible to restore to new without the installer discs, and you will have a hard time finding system discs for that computer. Tiger discs will probably cost you as much as you'd get for the computer. I love old computers but I wouldn't even look at a used G3 these days since they are very outdated, especially for an Apple newbie who doesn't want to constantly coax and nuture it to get it to run, and beg borrow and steal software to run on it.

The best you could do would be to set up a new administrator account and delete your old one. Then get the archive out of the deleted users folder, trash it, and secure empty trash. Mind you, there still may be files and old software in other locations on the computer.

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Answer 3

Apr 22, 2012 9:26 PM in response to tiffied

Hi, and welcome to Apple Support Communities.

When upgrading, if you are buying used again, I would advise going up to at least a MacBook 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo model.

If you can manage to go up to a MacBook 2.2 or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo, that will give you the option to install 4 GB of RAM.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook/index-macbook.html

Personally, I'd steer clear of the Unibody models. I like to be able to replace a battery if I need to without sending the computer off to Apple.

I never buy used unless the original system discs are included in the purchase, and also the OS software for any upgrading of the OS which has been done.

MacBooks are so popular on eBay, that sometimes you can buy a MacBook Pro with better specs cheaper than a MacBook!

Good luck.

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