I have recently inherited a 13" macbook, 2008 model. I want to reset it as my computer and erase all traces of the previous owner. How do I go about doing this?
MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.1)
Hopefully you also inherited the install discs for that macbook. If not purchase a Snow a Leopard disc here http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
Once you have the disc insert it and restart while holding the C key. Run Disk Utility and erase the hard drive. Then quit DU and return to the installer and reinstall OS X. Run software update to get your new version if Snow a Leopard up to 10.6.8 and from there you can access ythe Mac App Store and upgrade further if you so choose.
Hopefully you also inherited the install discs for that macbook. If not purchase a Snow a Leopard disc here http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
Once you have the disc insert it and restart while holding the C key. Run Disk Utility and erase the hard drive. Then quit DU and return to the installer and reinstall OS X. Run software update to get your new version if Snow a Leopard up to 10.6.8 and from there you can access ythe Mac App Store and upgrade further if you so choose.
Thanks for the help, I do have a snow leopard disc. The macbook is an aluminum model, will it run mavericks? That is what I have on my mac mini and I want both to run the same software. Thanks again
How much Ram does it have, and how much available hard disk space?
2008 Macbook can't run anything later than Lion (10.7.5)
Late2008 MacBook Aluminum Unibody can run Mavericks as well as Yosemite.
Yes it will run Mavericks. The problem is that unless you have the Mavericks installer you can't as Mavericks is no longer available. You might want to upgrade both to Yosemite.
Hi Imacquest,
Follow the procedures described What to do before selling or giving away your Mac - Apple Support.
If you still want Mavericks, it is possible to buy it from the App Store.
Have fun
Leo
No you can't. Mavericks was free and it's no longer available.
Hi Mike,
I bought it. It is still available for download, like Lion, and Mountain Lion which I also bought. You must just be prepared to pay for it. Have to call Apple though.
Regards
Leo
Hi Imacquest,
You can also extract the installer from your Mac Mini and perform the Mavericks install on your 'inherited' MBP 13"
If you don't know how, just ask and we will help you. You have a lot of avenues open to you.
You can try to use one of these options http://www.macworld.com/article/2056561/how-to-make-a-bootable-mavericks-install -drive.html
Have fun
Leo
I have got to the part where I am supposed to choose disk utility and then erase the hard drive. My trackpad is not clicking now so I can't select anything and I am unable to eject the disk as well. the trackpad scrolls and moves the mouse but doesn't click to select anything. I was able to select the language with the return key and I got the license agreement with the space bar but I am at an impasse and don't know how to select anything else. Any help is appreciated.
Late2008 MacBook Aluminum Unibody can run Mavericks as well as Yosemite.
Try removing the battery and running just on AC power. Your battery may be swollen and not allowing the trackpad to click. If that's the case you need to replace it ASAP.
As for the folks telling you that you can get and run Mavericks, I stand by my statement that Mavericks is no longer available. You can't buy it, you can't download it...it's not available.
Here's the link to buy Lion http://store.apple.com/us/product/D6106Z/A/os-x-lion
Here's the link to but Mountain Lion http://store.apple.com/us/product/D6377Z/A/os-x-mountain-lion
Now if one of you will provide a link as to where I can get Mavericks I would be eternally grateful.
Thanks Mike,
After much frustration I finally figured out where to click on the trackpad to make things happen. Much tapping and clicking all over the pad. Thanks for the swollen battery tip, not the case this time but I will keep it in mind for future reference. You are absolutely correct about Mavericks not being available, however I installed it on my mini 2 years ago and so it was available to me in my list of purchases in the app store. Once again Thanks for all your help
Glad you've got it going.
I believe what they are saying about Mavericks is if you downloaded it when it was available it will appear in your purchases tab of the App store. I have it in my purchase tab along with 10.7/10.8 and can download any of them if i wish. Sometimes if its not seen in the purchase tab you have to go into your account and look for hidden purchases - unhide it and its available.
I have inherited a 13" macbook 2008 vintage. I want to erase all data and start over with a reset how do I do that
