How do I clean off mac mini for resale

Use the DVDs that came with the unit and reinstall OS/X... that should do it...

I have a question though about reinstalling Mac OS X? When I reinstall for somebody else to use(buying the mac from me), how do you bypass the info after installing the OS? You know when you buy your new mac, and then you turn it on the first time and it has the Tiger intro and asks you all the info it needs. Can we do something like that?

make the user name something like Joe User with a password of password. Tell the seller that he/she should quickly create a user name and password for themselves and delete the generic one you created. I don't think there would be any issues with hardware like keyboards and mice... good luck...

The best thing to do is to boot off the disc that came with the Mac Mini and do an "Erase and Install." This will accomplish the dual tasks of erasing your data and preparing the unit for a setting up new accounts for the new owner. Before you do this, however, make sure you have a good backup or you have transfered your data to your new iMac already.

Once you get finished installing the OS and the Mac Mini reboots, when you see the Mac OS X welcome screen and hear the music simply turn the Mac Mini off. When the new owner turns it on for the first time they will see this screen and will be able to step through the setup assistant and customize it they way they want to.

Also be sure and give the new owner all the optical media that came with your Mac Mini, and for any software you may be including with the sale.

Hi, I've done all that the post has said, namely Erase and Install, but I was wondering how to turn off the Mac Mini safely now?

It's on Sleep right now, but when I turn it back on, it naturally goes to the register screen, but I just want to shut it off so that I can sell it. Please advise. Thanks in advance.

Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.5)

You can actually just shut down your system safely when you get to that point. Hold down the power button for 3-5 seconds and the system will power down/shut off.

When the new owner boots the machine it'll proceed directly to the system setup as if the machine was turned on for the first time. Presuming you performed an erase and install.

We all at some point upgrade from our present Macs to newer state of the art Macs. For example upgrading from a 17" PowerBook G4 to a 17" MacBook Pro.

Macs have a high resale value and people are always looking for a second system, a system for their children, or looking for a bargain. Remember to include the restore disks, user manuals, accessories, etc., that came with your system when you first bought it.

One of the things that make a Mac special is the high resale value. It is also how many new users, "switchers" experience their first Mac. 9 out of 10 those buyers will purchase a new Mac down the road obviously because of the Mac itself but also because of their buying experience.

They always remember their first Mac and their actual buying experience, so make it as if you were buying the system. What would you consider when buying from a complete stranger and what would you want and how would you want to be treated?

Good Luck!