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How do I delete my data but keep my software intact?

I want to delete the data from my computer, but keep all the software intact. Can you help?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Apr 9, 2013 10:27 AM

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15 replies

Apr 9, 2013 10:43 AM in response to theresourcediva

It depends how far you want to go. There is still software that can be used to recover your data, even if deleted. If it's not likely to be exposed to anyone with that capability, then what Niel suggests is adequate.


If you want to go futher after deleting your account, log in to the newly created admin accout and use Erase Free Space. Choose Zero Out Data, which will be more than sufficient.


http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3680

Apr 9, 2013 3:12 PM in response to Niel

What do you think of this? Are these the steps I need to follow?

  • Back up your data. Using Time Machine, or another backup option, make sure your backup is current. Once you complete these steps, there will be no way of retrieving anything.
  • Boot off of your OS X disk. To do this, insert the OS X disk that came with your machine, reboot your computer, and hold down the C key while the machine is booting up. Open Disk Utility. Once your machine has booted off of the disk, and you have selected your preferred language, go to the Utilities menu and select Disk Utility. Once Disk Utility is open, proceed to the Erase tab.
  • Enter a name for the formatted drive. On the Erase tab, enter a name that will be used once the drive is erased. By default, a Macʼs hard drive is named “Macintosh HD.” Since you are preparing to sell the machine, this is a good choice.
  • Select the security level. Below the name field, you will see a button that says: “Security Options.” Once selected, you will be presented with a number of different options. These include: “Do Not Erase Data,” “Zero Out Data,” “7-Pass Erase,” and “35-Pass Erase.” The first option is essentially the same as dragging a file to (and then emptying) the Trash…except that it does it for every single file on the hard drive. Ultimately, however, the data still remains. The other three options erase the data and write zeros over the entire hard drive once, 7 times, or 35 times depending on the option you choose. For most people, the single “Zero Out Data” will be more than sufficient. If your machine has particularly sensitive information on it, such as company financials, trade secrets, or the next great novel, you may want to go with the “7-Pass Erase.” This option is considered secure enough to be the standard procedure for erasing US Department of Defense computers. You can rest easy using this option, while the “35-Pass Erase” is essentially overkill for all but the most extreme cases. Once you have selected the appropriate option, click the Erase button.
  • Install OS X and reboot.

May 22, 2014 12:44 PM in response to Niel

Niel,


I saw this in an old post and am planning to do this to my old MacBook Pro. Silly question BUT all of my data was transferred recently from the old MacBook Pro to a new MacBookAir I bought at the Apple Store.


So I have two duplicate computers. Soooooo......I guess I don't want to delete my Admin account at all. Correct? Just don't want to do something totally stupid. Incuding maybe this question? Lol.



I'm trying to get data off the old Mac, but leave the software, etc. so I can give it to my daughter. Any help is most appreciated!!!!


K

How do I delete my data but keep my software intact?

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