my son has been playing with my iMac (2004) and now the desktop is full of "smart" folders, alias, and others... I don't know how to proceed to return it to its original stage.... How can I return the iMac to its original (factory) settings??? Thanks!!!
iMac, Mac OS X (10.4)
Most of those settings are unique to his account. You can always create an account for yourself that is an administrator account through Apple menu -> System Preferences -> User and Groups, or Accounts (not sure which it is under 10.4). Then you can dump your son's account if he needs it no more once logged into the second administrator account.
If you can find the original discs, you can erase and install the operating system.
That's discussed on
iMac return to factory settings
