Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

I failed to re-install Mac OSX after I removed it while removing my personal info. I forgot my Apple ID & password at the time. I have now recovered them with my windows type spare computer. How can I reinstall OSX on my MacBook Air?

I failed to re-install the OSX on my MacBook Air after erasing my personal information in preparation to sell the computer. Reason: I forgot my Apple ID and password. I have recovered my ID and password on my wondows computer. There is no software on my MacBook Air right now. How do I re-install OSX?

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), Don't know which mountain Lion

Posted on Feb 3, 2014 8:08 PM

Reply
3 replies

Feb 3, 2014 8:12 PM in response to fops

Install Mavericks, Lion/Mountain Lion Using Internet Recovery


Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.


Boot to the Internet Recovery HD:


Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND-OPTION- R keys until a globe appears on the screen. Wait patiently - 15-20 minutes - until the Recovery main menu appears.


Partition and Format the hard drive:


1. Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.


2. After DU loads select your newly installed 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 Partition button and wait until the process has completed. Quit DU and return to the main menu.


Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion. Mavericks: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks and click on the Install button. Be sure to select the correct drive to use if you have more than one.


Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet

if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.


This will install the OS originally installed on your computer. If you plan to sell or give away the computer, then do not upgrade it or the purchaser will not be able to use it.

Feb 3, 2014 8:46 PM in response to fops

You are using COMMAND-R at startup? If so, then you have no Recovery HD. Without it you are sort of S.O.L. Be sure this is how you restart:


Boot Using COMMAND+OPTION+R keys:


1. Restart the computer.

2. Immediately after the chime press and hold down the

"COMMAND" "OPTION" and the "R" keys together.

3. Release the keys when the Globe appears.

I failed to re-install Mac OSX after I removed it while removing my personal info. I forgot my Apple ID & password at the time. I have now recovered them with my windows type spare computer. How can I reinstall OSX on my MacBook Air?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.