ChrisMacbookpro
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: i give away my old Mac desktop. How can i "clean up" the mac from all software, passwords, etc..? thanks for your help

what is the process to entirely clean up my mac....remove all softwares,passwords, etc...

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jan 2, 2015 8:16 AM

by joe_7399,Solvedanswer
joe_7399 joe_7399
Community Specialists
A:

Hi ChrisMacbookpro,

 

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

 

It sounds like you would like to erase your computer and reinstall the operating system fresh. If this is the case, please follow the instructions in the attached article.

 

Using Restore discs with computers that ship with Mac OS X 10.3.7 or later - Apple Support

 

Erase the Mac OS X volume, then restore Mac OS X and all bundled software

Important: This option erases your destination volume (it deletes everything that's on it, including files on your desktop), so be sure that you've backed up your stuff before committing to this choice.

  1. Back up your essential files.
  2. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer.
  3. Double-click "Install Mac OS X and Bundled Software."
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions until you get to the destination pane.
  5. In the "Select a destination" window, click Options, then click "Erase and Install."

 

Cheers,

Joe

Posted on Jan 3, 2015 2:24 PM

Close
ChrisMacbookpro

Q: i give away my old Mac desktop. How can i "clean up" the mac from all software, passwords, etc..? thanks for your help

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by joe_7399,Solvedanswer

    joe_7399 joe_7399 Jan 3, 2015 2:24 PM in response to ChrisMacbookpro
    Community Specialists
    Jan 3, 2015 2:24 PM in response to ChrisMacbookpro

    Hi ChrisMacbookpro,

     

    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

     

    It sounds like you would like to erase your computer and reinstall the operating system fresh. If this is the case, please follow the instructions in the attached article.

     

    Using Restore discs with computers that ship with Mac OS X 10.3.7 or later - Apple Support

     

    Erase the Mac OS X volume, then restore Mac OS X and all bundled software

    Important: This option erases your destination volume (it deletes everything that's on it, including files on your desktop), so be sure that you've backed up your stuff before committing to this choice.

    1. Back up your essential files.
    2. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer.
    3. Double-click "Install Mac OS X and Bundled Software."
    4. Follow the onscreen instructions until you get to the destination pane.
    5. In the "Select a destination" window, click Options, then click "Erase and Install."

     

    Cheers,

    Joe

  • by ChrisMacbookpro,

    ChrisMacbookpro ChrisMacbookpro Jan 4, 2015 9:50 AM in response to joe_7399
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 4, 2015 9:50 AM in response to joe_7399

    thanks Joe. I will try. best regards. Christian