Abider
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: How do I delete the data from my iBook G4?

How do I delete the data from my iBook G4 hard drive? Want to recycle it.

Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on May 5, 2014 9:32 AM

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Abider

Q: How do I delete the data from my iBook G4?

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer May 5, 2014 1:02 PM in response to Abider
    Level 6 (14,587 points)
    Desktops
    May 5, 2014 1:02 PM in response to Abider

    If you have the OS X install DVD that accompanied it when new, or a later retail DVD of a supported OS X system (not grey from a different model) this can be used to start up the computer and use its version of Disk Utilities to erase (or secure erase, overwrite HDD with one-pass or more zeroes, etc) and install a new OS X system on the hard drive. You can exit or force quit the iBook after the installer is done, you may have to be sure the system disc is ejected.

     

    By force-quitting computer after the installer is done and not allowing it to ask for user information, on a normal first-restart it would ask for user info to set up a new Admin account. (Hold power key to shut down; restart holding mouse or eject key to get DVD out; shut down again with power key.)

     

    Or if 'recycling' means to bin the computer, it is good to know a working G4 iBook still has value as a computer and even more with a system DVD that can be used to restore a working OS X or original discs with the full set of as-shipped content; though dated can still work and be useful.

     

    For a more official and newer look at what you can do, it may not cover your exact vintage device, see...

     

    •What to do before selling or giving away your Mac:

    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5189

     

    For a variety of similar information, including later

    Macs with recent OS X, see Search results link...

     

    •Mac OS X how do i get mac ready to resell - google (includes various methods)

    https://www.google.com/#q=Mac+OS+X+how+do+i+get+mac+ready+to+resell

     

    Always, it is a good idea and sound owner/user policy to include the original and any related system media DVDs, papers, manuals, etc with a computer as it goes forward to another user and repurposed.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody May 7, 2014 6:43 AM in response to Abider
    Level 9 (66,899 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    May 7, 2014 6:43 AM in response to Abider

    See my FAQ*:

     

    http://www.macmaps.com/selling.html

     

    Also note the iBook G4 800 Mhz maxes its operating system at 10.4.11.

    The 867 Mhz and later models (1 Ghz and later included) all max at 10.5.8, if Classic was not needed.

     

    Lastly to migrate data to a Mac 2006 or newer, read this tip:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2295