restore ibook to factory settings

Can you contact the seller, and see if they can get you the correct discs for whatever iBook (?) or whichever portable Apple computer you bought? Without detailed information, I don't know which computer, build model, year or if the unit is really an early MacBook, a PowerBook, or one of several generations of iBook.

Had the computer been set up for a new owner, it could have been started up as though it were a new one; with a setup screen on start up with an assistant to help load up the system and personalize it.

The computer should have come with its original install-restore DVD or CD media disc set. That is an original part number intended on remaining with the computer it was sold with as part of the retail package. So the seller should have included the discs for that computer (grey, specific to that machine series build model and year, etc) or a later full retail install disc, so you could actually use the computer as an official owner could.

If you had the restore - install discs that came with the computer then the path is relatively clear.

•How to restore your Apple software (Mac OS X v10.4 or earlier)

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1561?viewlocale=en_US

In order to remove or restore passwords, change them, or do most anything, the correct way would be to have those original system install restore discs. You could start the computer from a reduces System on those discs, and then be able to use Disk Utility, to repair, erase, format, zero-overwrite (secure erase) and other things. The original disc set also included several fairly good applications, in addition to the OS.

There are several topics online that try and help people work-around the need to change a lost or forgotten password, or access a computer bought at auction or ebay (worst places to get a Mac btw) so some of them are not exactly savory and detract from any kind of ideal or practical experience with a Mac. And as a first impression, if you want to see ideal, sign up for the free learning at an Apple Store with modern Macs.

•Try & reset admin password without correct install discs:

http://www.macyourself.com/2009/08/03/how-to-reset-your-mac-os-x-password-withou t-an-installer-disc/

And without proper identification of that specific build computer (model number, year, etc) more information will be required. There were several models and build year series of iBook, from the 1998 'colors' iBook G3, then 2001 white G3, then iBook G4; & the final builds of iBook G4 (Mid-2005) with 12" 1.33GHz, and 14" 1.42GHz model.

If you can read the model number and maybe find the hard to read serial number on the computer's case, you could further identify the iBook (or whatever it is) so as to tell what OS X or other system it may have shipped with, and the configuration (CPU, RAM, HDD, bus speed, etc)

•Identify your Mac by model number or serial number:

https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php

http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/

To be more aware of the specs, build model years, and other information you could go to MacTracker web site and download an offline database that really is quite good http://mactracker.ca or also match your found information about your ibook(?) with the database online at http://everymac.com as they have a pile to sift through.

•Apple Specs at everymac:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/index-apple-specs-applespec.html

Sorry to not be of more help, as with a slow internet connection, a late hour, and so on, I'd need a bit more info about the main player in this topic, your computer, to go further.

But I think you could go some distance now if you use info from the source links, & also with craft, use a google search. Also avoid adware sites and any mackeeper, cleanyourmac, or genieo, and a dozen or so badware sites that say you need to get antivirus, or flash player, but are not actually reliable or necessary, least of all from bogus sources under false pretense. If you actually do need something (like Adobe Flash) try the known good source.

Hopefully this helps you get some direction;

try to see this as if it were an adventure...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

You cannot use the system that is already installed. It could have malware on it, for all you know, possibly even malware installed by the seller for some reason.

You will need to start up from a system disk appropriate for that machine. If the seller did not include any disks, you will need to contact Apple to see if they can supply a replacement. They normally supply replacement disks for a small shipping and handling fee... but the iBook is so old at this point that they may no longer be able to do so.

If you have, or can get, a system disk, insert it, then restart the computer. As soon as you hear the startup chime, hold down the 'c' key. When you see the Apple logo appear, you can let go. From there, you can do an "erase and install" to erase the hard drive and reinstall the system.