Tbari
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Q: How to erase old macbook HD without install disk

I have an old macbook that im looking to donate. Its running on os x 10.5.8

 

Id like to format my HD to delete all of the information on it.

 

I dont have the original install DVD.

 

Ive tried using Disk Utility. When i go to erase, the buttons are greyed out.

 

Please help!

 

Thanks

MacBook (13-inch Early 2008), Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 24, 2014 5:46 PM

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Tbari

Q: How to erase old macbook HD without install disk

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jan 24, 2014 5:51 PM in response to Tbari
    Level 10 (271,860 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 24, 2014 5:51 PM in response to Tbari

    If both computers have Firewire ports, then connect them with a Firewire cable and useTarget Disk Mode to boot the old computer. Boot your computer normally. The disk drive of the old computer will appear on the Desktop of your computer. You can then use Disk Utility to erase the drive. You will want to do this:

     

    Drive Partition and Format

     

    1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.

     

    2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.

     

    3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Apply button and wait until the process has completed.

     

    4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.

     

    5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.

     

    6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.

     

    This will assure that nothing on the drive could ever be recovered. However, you will not have an operating system to install which is a problem. Ideally, you should purchase replacement discs for the computer and install the original system with which it came.

     

    Apple Store Customer Service at 1-800-676-2775 or visit online Help for more information.

     

    To contact product and tech support: Apple - Support - Contact Apple Support.

  • by Tbari,

    Tbari Tbari Jan 24, 2014 6:09 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 24, 2014 6:09 PM in response to Kappy

    Thanks but the volume scheme drop down menu is greyed out.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jan 24, 2014 6:14 PM in response to Tbari
    Level 10 (271,860 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 24, 2014 6:14 PM in response to Tbari

    Screen Shot 2014-01-24 at 9.13.43 PM.png

     

    Are you sure you have chosen the disk drive for the old computer? Disk Utility will display entries for the old computer's disk drive and for yours. You need to select the old computer's drive entry - not the volume entry such as Macintosh HD.

  • by Tbari,

    Tbari Tbari Jan 24, 2014 6:48 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 24, 2014 6:48 PM in response to Kappy

    I didnt connect my macbook to another computer.

     

    I just opened disk utility on my macbook and followed the instructions.

     

    I clicked on the only hard drive i see. The drop down under volume scheme is grey/locked

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jan 24, 2014 7:09 PM in response to Tbari
    Level 10 (271,860 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 24, 2014 7:09 PM in response to Tbari

    You don't seem to understand that you cannot erase the drive you are started from. You don't have an installer disc to use. Target Disk Mode with another computer is your only option which I've explained previously. Or you purchase replacement discs from Apple.

     

    Apple Store Customer Service at 1-800-676-2775 or visit online Help for more information.

     

    To contact product and tech support: Apple - Support - Contact Apple Support.

  • by Neville Hillyer,

    Neville Hillyer Neville Hillyer Jan 25, 2014 2:40 PM in response to Tbari
    Level 4 (1,877 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 25, 2014 2:40 PM in response to Tbari

    I recently posted the following elsewhere but it may help you if you cannot use another computer:

     

     

    It is difficult to remove all private data without doing a secure erase of the whole hard disk. There are varying levels of data removal described on links at this Google search.

     

    If the root user has been used there is a hidden user folder at: /private/var/root

     

    The following is a simple thing that some people do but it does not erase any private data.

     

    The last time you use it:

     

    1 - open Terminal

     

    2 - paste the following:

     

    rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone

     

    3 - hit return key

     

    This will take the new user to the Welcome setup screen when he first powers up.

     

    Don't do it until the last moment as you will not be able to use the Mac until you have filled in your details again.