Q: I want to give my old MacBook Pro to my son. how do I delete all my files?

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.

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Easiest way is to delete your account. This removes all of your data without having to erase the hard drive and reinstall the OS:

System Preferences > Users and Groups > Click the lock and type in your Admin password > Click the to add a new account (for your son) > New Account: set to Administrator > Create User

Now log out of your account and into the new Admin account you just made. Go back to System Preferences > Users and Groups > Unlock > Select your original account and press the > Delete the Home Folder if you are sure you don't need any of your data. NOTE that this will delete ALL of your data so make sure you have a backup if you need it.

That's it!. If you don't want your son to have Administrative privileges, follow the same steps but make 2 accounts; one as an Admin, using a name and password of your choosing, and the other as a Standard account for your son. This allows you to control what apps and updates are being downloaded. You must have an Admin account on the computer to change locked settings and install items.

Best of luck