Q: How to erase data from Snow Leopard without startup disk?

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margemargemarge

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Q: 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

I have this question too

Solved

Kappy

Level 10 (271,811 points)

Desktops

A:

That is the only way unless you can:

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.)
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.

Posted on Nov 4, 2014 1:47 PM

Q: How to erase data from Snow Leopard without startup disk?

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by Kappy,

Kappy Nov 4, 2014 1:15 PM in response to margemargemarge
Level 10 (271,811 points)

Desktops

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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by margemargemarge,

margemargemarge Nov 4, 2014 1:17 PM in response to Kappy
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Nov 4, 2014 1:17 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for the speedy reply! As I mentioned, I'd rather not purchase the disks if I can avoid it (I realize that may be the only way though). Do you have any other ideas?
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by margemargemarge,

margemargemarge Nov 4, 2014 1:53 PM in response to Kappy
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Nov 4, 2014 1:53 PM in response to Kappy

Thank you!
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Accepted Answer · Nov 4, 2014 1:47 PM

Kappy

Level 10 (271,811 points)

Desktops

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

That is the only way unless you can:

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.)
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.

Q: How to erase data from Snow Leopard without startup disk?

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by Kappy,

by margemargemarge,

by Kappy,Solvedanswer

by margemargemarge,

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