Can I restore factory settings to a 2006 Macbook Pro that has a bad optical drive?

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mtnbke2000 Author

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Can I restore factory settings to a 2006 Macbook Pro that has a bad optical drive?

Is there an easy way to restore factory settings on my Macbook Pro if I have a bad optical drive and can't reinstall from a disk?

Posted on Jan 26, 2014 10:11 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Jan 26, 2014 10:17 AM in response to mtnbke2000

No, there is no easy way. You could clone the installer disc to a USB flash drive and boot from the flash drive. You can clone the installer disc to any external HDD and boot from it. However, you will need access to a computer with a functioning optical drive to do either.

If you have access to another Mac with Firewire ports and a good optical drive, then it may be possible to install usingTarget Disk Mode. However, for that to work the other computer needs to be bootable from the installer disc you would use, otherwise all you can do is erase the old computer's drive.

You can purchase or obtain an external optical drive to use in lieu of the internal one or you can have the internal one replaced.

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Answer 2

mtnbke2000 Author

Level 1

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Jan 26, 2014 10:38 AM in response to Kappy

Thanks for the info. I've actually misplaced the original install disks as the computer is over 8 years old. Can I take it to an Apple store or authorized retailer to have it wiped? I'm just trying to it ready to sell...

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Jan 26, 2014 10:45 AM in response to mtnbke2000

You can make a Genius appointment and ask. I can't tell you if they will help you or not. However, you cannot sell that computer without providing the original discs. To do that means purchasing replacements 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.

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