Can't install updates, wrong Apple ID?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can't install updates, wrong Apple ID?

My very kind uncle has just gifted me his 2 month old MacBook Pro as he decided he wanted the larger size.

I have successfully set up my Apple ID in iCloud, iTunes, and the App store and when you look at Users under settings it has me and my ID as the administrator.

However, when I go to download the software update from the App Store (this update is for iPhoto) it says I must log into my uncle's account to upgrade the software.

I tried registering it online under my ID using the Serial Number, but that doesn't seem to have made a difference.

As this is now my Mac, how can I change the apple ID for the software??

Thanks for your help.

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Feb 4, 2013 7:57 PM

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Answer 1

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Feb 4, 2013 8:08 PM in response to gemmakatef

Apparently you didn't wipe out the hard drive when you got this computer. Otherwise, the old account would not be still on it. Suggest that you do so and start over - Erasing disks securely

Start up from your install disc, go to Disk Utility and select the disk and click erase - to securely erase data click Security Options and Erase Free Space which will entirely wipe your disk, overwriting it with zeros so that no data is recoverable.

Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Use Software Update to update your os to 10.6.8 and anything else that needs to be updated. Afterwards, repair permissions and restart your computer. You should now have no trouble downloading software from the App Store.

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Answer 2

gemmakatef Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 4, 2013 8:17 PM in response to CMCSK

Thanks for your help!

Would that be the only way to fix this??

My uncle had already installed Microsoft Office on this mac and wanted me to be able to use it so that is why he didn't wipe the hard drive...so I am hoping I don't have to...

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Answer 3

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Feb 4, 2013 8:52 PM in response to gemmakatef

Have your uncle give or sell you his Microsoft Office disc. It's what he used to install it right?

Your only other recourse is to purchase it yourself.

Wiping the hard drive is the only way to remove an admin account and everything that goes with it.

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Answer 4

gemmakatef Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 5, 2013 12:09 AM in response to CMCSK

OK, thanks for your help. The concern with Microsoft Office is it comes with 3 activation codes, and once one ahs been used I dont' think you can use it again.

Looks like I'll be wiping it though!

Thanks for your help

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Answer 5

gemmakatef Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 5, 2013 4:48 AM in response to gemmakatef

Another quick q - I have successfully wiped the harddrive and then reinstalled the operating system - but now iLife is gone!! Anyway to get it back??

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Answer 6

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Feb 5, 2013 3:30 PM in response to gemmakatef

iLife is inside System disc #1. You will need to custom install iLife. Follow the onscreen custom install instructions. It should be inside the Bundled Software folder. If not there, check the Applications folder.

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Answer 7

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Feb 5, 2013 3:32 PM in response to gemmakatef

gemmakatef wrote:

The concern with Microsoft Office is it comes with 3 activation codes, and once one ahs been used I dont' think you can use it again.

You will have to take that up with Microsoft as it's their product not Apple's. Post in their forums or contact their tech support.

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Answer 8

ds store

Level 7

30,725 points

Feb 5, 2013 4:43 PM in response to gemmakatef

gemmakatef wrote:

Another quick q - I have successfully wiped the harddrive and then reinstalled the operating system - but now iLife is gone!! Anyway to get it back??

My very kind uncle has just gifted me his 2 month old MacBook Pro as he decided he wanted the larger size.

If your uncle wiped and installed OS X and then accepted his free iLife and reinstalled it, then it's locked to his AppleID.

Sometimes if OS X gets wiped and the free iLife is not accepted/reinstalled, the next owner can accept it with their AppleID.

All AppStore software is copy protected.

If you can't reinstall your free iLife, then you'll have to purchase it if you want it.

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Answer 9

Shootist007

Level 6

16,703 points

Feb 5, 2013 4:52 PM in response to gemmakatef

The Activation code can be used on the same computer over and over.

If you want that Mac to be YOURS you need to Wipe the drive and reinstall. Alos IF your uncle registered it with Apple you need to transfer that and or Reregister it under your name and Apple ID.

gemmakatef wrote:

OK, thanks for your help. The concern with Microsoft Office is it comes with 3 activation codes, and once one ahs been used I dont' think you can use it again.

Looks like I'll be wiping it though!

Thanks for your help

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