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how can i delete everything on my mac and start over safely

How can I delete everything on Mac and start over

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Dec 3, 2012 3:02 PM

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Posted on Dec 3, 2012 3:06 PM

Reboot with Command + R depressed


Start Disk Utilty


Erase disk


Allan

16 replies

Dec 3, 2012 3:10 PM in response to odenclint

Backup any user files you do want to save to a external drive and disconnect.


Most commonly used backup methods




This method will erase OS X, programs and users files off the machine, no recovery possible, it will be like a brand new machine when you reboot.



Reboot the computer holding the command r keys down, then select Disk Utility.


Select the Macintosh HD partition and Erase, move the slider to the middle secure erase selection (if available) and click apply, wait.


Once finsihed quit and select Reinstall OS X.



Preferably use a Ethernet cable to the router or modem (power it off/on), have your AppleID and password ready.



How do I securely delete data from the machine?



(If you have a firmware password set, you will see a entry line with a lock if you try to command r boot, enter your firmware password)

Dec 3, 2012 3:22 PM in response to odenclint

The installer cd's are for 10.6 Snow Leopard, your machine has 10.8 Mt Lion on it, thus the method I outlined above is for Mt Lion 10.8.



If you want to revert your Mac back to Snow Leopard, and you don't have any personal files to revert to 10.6, then follow this install method, be sure to erase the entire drive in Disk Utility.


How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6

how can i delete everything on my mac and start over safely

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