I just bought a brand new MacBook Air. When I turned it on it was in Chinese and it says "yanghua" then is asking for a password. Why is it doing this, and how to I get it to English. Could this be a used laptop previously owned by some Chinese dude?

It seems the Air you bought is not new. Take it back and get a refund.

The MBA was built in China. Regardless, return it to the store.

it could also be a counterfiet Macbook Air

there are reports of some swimming out there.

where did you buy it exactly??

Call them - tell them that you bought it from Online store, what you found when you switched it on and ask them what they will do. You are entitled to a replacement.

I have NO IDEA why this has come directly from Apple.

BTW, Yanghua is a Chinese auto accessory company!!!

Mlefler wrote:

Thanks for your help, I bought this directly from the online Apple store. Why would they sell me a fake.

They wouldnt of course, but you didnt say WHERE you got it from. No worries, return it.

If it IS refurbished, you should have been aware that it was - refurbished computers are a different section of the Apple online store. Check the online new price for the spec of the one you bought and compare it with what price is on your receipt. If the amount on the receipt is less, then you have bought a refurb. If the price is the same, then you have a right to expect new.

Also, Apple official Refurb computers are restored to "factory fresh" condition when resold - starting up fro first time should be the same as starting up a brand new MBA.

When you turn on a NEW Mac, of any model, for the first time one of the first screens that comes up is one that you Select the Language you want to use. Then it goes on into other setup pages to set your location and the like.

If when you turned that supposedly NEW Air on for the first time all texts was in Chinese, you weren't presented with a dialog windows to choose a language and then you were prompted for a Password someone someplace had started that Mac before you got it. IE it is Used, it had been used.

Even if you purchased a Refurbish unit it still should present you with the normal setup assistant screens the first time you turn it on. It should not ask for a password and should not be set to any specific language setting.

Send it Back as Defective. Apple has a 14 day Not Questions Asked return policy for full refund. Take advantage of that and send it back.

Mlefler wrote:

Thanks for your help, I bought this directly from the online Apple store. Why would they sell me a fake. Do I call them and tell them I'm sending it back and I want a new one, and they are paying for my shipping?