mtnbke2000
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: 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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mtnbke2000

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

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jan 26, 2014 10:17 AM in response to mtnbke2000
    Level 10 (271,850 points)
    Desktops
    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.

  • by mtnbke2000,

    mtnbke2000 mtnbke2000 Jan 26, 2014 10:38 AM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    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...

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jan 26, 2014 10:45 AM in response to mtnbke2000
    Level 10 (271,850 points)
    Desktops
    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.