How do I reformat my OS X Yosemite hard drive

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Level 1

8 points

How do I reformat my OS X Yosemite hard drive

I Am giving Mac to family member. Have de authorized computer and signed out of icloud and I message now want to reformat hard drive to remove my data.

iMac, OS X Yosemite 10.10.1

Posted on Dec 31, 2014 6:46 AM

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Answer 1

OldGnome

Level 3

813 points

Dec 31, 2014 9:09 AM in response to VEEF

You shouldn't have to reformat your hard drive.

Create a new administrator account and log in with those credentials. Remove the other users and you should (I am going from memory here....) be prompted to remove all files. The open the disk utility and select the partition (not the drive) and then Erase Free Space.

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Answer 2

Dec 31, 2014 9:13 AM in response to VEEF

You should, as otherwise the OSx updates from the Mac App Store remain tied to your Apple Id and will require it for future updates. You cannot give away the OSx license that is tied to your Apple ID.

What to do before selling or giving away your Mac - Apple Support

Step # 5 deals with formatting the computer.

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Answer 3

OldGnome

Level 3

813 points

Dec 31, 2014 9:22 AM in response to Phil0124

Phil0124: ^ What I learned today. Thanks.

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