iNeil316

Q: How can I erase and install the most recent Mac OS X?

I have bought a new iMac and want to give my old iMac to a friend.

Before I give it to them, I want to erase to old iMac HD and re-install Mac OS. However, it defaults back to the Maverick OS. My slow internet means it will take hours to download and then I would have to run upgrades in the AppStore and take more hours to download Yosemite and then more cycles of incremental upgrades... :-/

How do I get my old iMac to simply install a fresh version of the latest Mac OS?

I have saved a copy of the install file of Yosemite when I updated my new iMac because of my slow internet connection but I don't know if it truly gives a full fresh installation of everything, so I didn't try it.

Cheers,

Neil

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2), iMac 27inch 2009

Posted on Jan 30, 2015 5:48 PM

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Q: How can I erase and install the most recent Mac OS X?

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  • by Niel,Helpful

    Niel Niel Jan 30, 2015 5:51 PM in response to iNeil316
    Level 10 (312,660 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 30, 2015 5:51 PM in response to iNeil316

    Click here and follow the instructions. If the computer originally shipped with Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier, when you reach step 5, insert its original disk, restart with the C or Option key held down, use the Disk Utility to erase the internal drive, and install a fresh OS.


    You can't sell it while it has an OS more recent than the newer of the computer's original one or 10.6.8 installed on it.

     

    (121297)

  • by petermac87,Helpful

    petermac87 petermac87 Jan 30, 2015 5:53 PM in response to iNeil316
    Level 5 (7,402 points)
    Jan 30, 2015 5:53 PM in response to iNeil316

    Did it come with Discs? That model, I believe had Snow Leopard as the default OS X. (I stand to be corrected there. If so, then just erase the drive and reinstall the Discs that came with it. Your friend can then update to Yosemite if he wishes. If you use your copy, it will be forever tied to your Apple ID and he or she will have issues updating in the future.

     

    Hope this helps.

     

    Pete

  • by iNeil316,

    iNeil316 iNeil316 Jan 30, 2015 6:01 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 30, 2015 6:01 PM in response to Niel

    Very helpful. Thanks.

    Neil :-)

  • by baltwo,

    baltwo baltwo Jan 31, 2015 2:07 PM in response to iNeil316
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    Jan 31, 2015 2:07 PM in response to iNeil316

    iMac 27inch 2009 came with Snow Leopard. see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1159 for details.

     

    27" i7 iMac (Mid 2011) refurb, OS X Yo (10.10.1), Mavs, ML & SL, G4 450 MP w/10.5 & 9.2.2