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User profile for user: margemargemarge
margemargemarge Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

How to erase data from Snow Leopard without startup disk?

I have an old Macbook running 10.6.8 - I believe it is a 13-inch from late 2006. I want to erase my data in order to recycle it. I can't find a way to do so without the startup disks - there's no recovery mode on this version, and I can't upgrade to Yosemite because I don't have enough memory. I'd rather not spend $20-30 on purchasing Snow Leopard disks since I just want to get rid of the computer. Is there any way to wipe the hard drive? Thank you!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 4, 2014 1:13 PM

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,879 points

Posted on Nov 4, 2014 1:47 PM

That is the only way unless you can:


  1. Borrow a Snow Leopard DVD in order to use it to erase the drive and install Snow Leopard (it's not legal to install Snow Leopard on more than one computer at a time.)
  2. Connect the computer to another Mac that has Firewire ports with a Firewire cable. Boot the old MB into Target Disk Mode. Boot the other computer normally. The MB's drive should appear on the other computer's Desktop. You can now use Disk Utility to erase the drive.
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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,879 points

Nov 4, 2014 1:47 PM in response to margemargemarge

That is the only way unless you can:


  1. Borrow a Snow Leopard DVD in order to use it to erase the drive and install Snow Leopard (it's not legal to install Snow Leopard on more than one computer at a time.)
  2. Connect the computer to another Mac that has Firewire ports with a Firewire cable. Boot the old MB into Target Disk Mode. Boot the other computer normally. The MB's drive should appear on the other computer's Desktop. You can now use Disk Utility to erase the drive.
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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,879 points

Nov 4, 2014 1:15 PM in response to margemargemarge

You can repurchase the discs from Apple if they still have supplies:


Apple Store Customer Service at 1-800-676-2775 or visit online Help for more information.


To contact product and tech support: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes

international calling numbers..


Or you can buy the Snow Leopard DVD:


You can purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store:Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.

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How to erase data from Snow Leopard without startup disk?

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