I'm getting a used MacBook Pro and would like to reset it to factory spec, I understand that before I can re-install my OS X an apple Id is required should I use my own or do I need the id of the previous owner?
MacBook Pro
Erase the drive and install a fresh copy of the OS.
I've seen videos and noticed an apple I'd is requested before re-install will start is it okay to use my own?
Not for Snow Leopard. For Lion or Mountain Lion, yes. It must be under the Apple ID used to make the original purchase. You cannot use another Apple ID without first signing into the App Store with that Apple ID.
I'm buying used from a pawn shop and it has lion on it. What can I do?
Sorry, you have to purchase your own copy of Mountain Lion to install. You cannot use the one installed on the computer because it belongs to the previous owner.
Go to the App Store, sign in with your Apple ID and password, purchase and install Mountain Lion. See:
Upgrading to Snow Leopard, Lion, or Mountain Lion
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
You can purchase Snow Leopard by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes international calling numbers. The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will receive physical media - DVD - by mail.
Third-party sources for Snow Leopard are:
After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store.
Before upgrading check that you computer meets the minimum requirements:
Snow Leopard General requirements
1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
2. 1GB of memory
3. 5GB of available disk space
4. DVD drive for installation
5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may
apply.
6. Some features require Apple’s MobileMe service; fees and terms apply.
Upgrading to Lion
First, you need to upgrade to Snow Leopard 10.6.8 as stated above.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes international calling numbers. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.
Before upgrading check that you computer meets the minimum requirements:
Lion System Requirements
1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or
Xeon processor
2. 2GB of memory
3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
4. 7GB of available space
5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Upgrading to Mountain Lion
Be sure your computer meets the minimum requirements:
Apple - OS X Mountain Lion - Read the technical specifications.
Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
7. Xserve (Early 2009)
Are my applications compatible?
See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps - App compatibility and feature support for OS X & iOS.
Am I eligible for the free upgrade?
See Apple - Free OS X Mountain Lion upgrade Program.
For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Apple - Upgrade your Mac to OS X Mountain Lion.
Thanks Kappy, you been very helpful! I will try this! It was always my intention to upgrade from lion to mountain Lion so this will work out fine for me! Thank again for all your help!
BTW, since you are purchasing or purchased from a pawn shop you need to see if it's legal. Check out the serial number.
How to find the serial number of your Apple hardware product
Resetting MacBook Pro
