princessdistress

Q: Tricky Old MacBook 2007. Re my initial question below- it is not a simple erase and reinstall, there are problems I should have mentioned, PLEASE HELP and see below for details of all problems I have thus far encountered!

Ok, if it was a straightforward erase and reinstall I'd have done it already, this I can deal with and theres multitudes of help on that.

This MacBook late 2007 running 10.5.6 wont go into the disk utility with Command+R startup, also, my neighbour bought it on gumtree and the guy who sold it has left it as 'his macbook" with password, but I hoped erase and reinstall would do the job but it isn't working.

Heres a photo of Disk Utility, please let me know if any other shots could be helpful.

IMG_2327.JPG

Posted on Jun 19, 2016 12:43 AM

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Q: Tricky Old MacBook 2007. Re my initial question below- it is not a simple erase and reinstall, there are problems I should have me ... more

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jun 19, 2016 1:14 PM in response to princessdistress
    Level 6 (14,269 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 19, 2016 1:14 PM in response to princessdistress

    If you have the original install restore DVD media discs that were included with the computer

    when new, that would be a means to start the computer (without present system interference)

    and then use the Disk Utility version on the startup DVD media. There is no OSX Recovery

    so the keyboard shortcuts won't help. It needs the system disc replacements, from Apple.

     

    The built-in Disk Utility cannot touch the system it is within; the disc media (DVD #1) can be

    used to start the computer and then access additional utilities without running the Installer.

    There are some chores that need to be done, including single-pass secure erase.

     

    {In order to remove the Boot Camp partition (original owner had Windows installed) the Disk

    Utility from the Installer may be used. Usually, the Boot Camp utility would be used if it were

    a matter of owner wanting that drive space freed up again. There are rules in that instance.}

     

    You will be able to tell almost immediately if the former user had a Firmware Password or

    other contrivance in place for his/her own security purposes. Some of these cannot be

    removed without the password; in part because the files are not on the hard drive, removal

    of the drive and replacement with a new one - would not be a work around - if that were so.

     

    You may be able to order replacement original system media discs from Apple Support or

    Apple care, for a fee; they would need to know the product serial number to match discs.

     

    So that is a situation where the tools have to meet the task. Apple sales support, applecare

    should be able to help see what the unit needs. On a second note, if you can get the DVDs

    and erase restore the MacBook, it may need a replacement hard drive. They do wear out.

     

    Good luck in this matter!

  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 19, 2016 2:10 PM in response to princessdistress
    Level 6 (17,194 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 19, 2016 2:10 PM in response to princessdistress

    You can purchase a retail Snow Leopard disc from Apple for $20 which you can use  to completely erase the hard drive and install OS X http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

    After that you'll want to install the 10.6.8 combo update from Download Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update v.1.1

  • by kaz-k,

    kaz-k kaz-k Jun 19, 2016 9:36 PM in response to princessdistress
    Level 5 (5,640 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 19, 2016 9:36 PM in response to princessdistress
  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 20, 2016 3:46 AM in response to kaz-k
    Level 6 (17,194 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 20, 2016 3:46 AM in response to kaz-k

    Internet Recovery will not work on a 2007 Macbook, especially one currently running 10.5 Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery - Apple Support