Q: I have recently bought a new iMac and wish to give my old 2008 model iMAC to my son. I have a current backup in time machine and I want to remove all my data and retain his user data. How do I achieve this aim?

I am giving my old iMac to my son and wish to remove all other family users data from the hard drive. The iMac is an early 2008 model running OS 10.9.5 with 3 GB of RAM. I wish to retain his user data. I have time machine backups for several years available on an external USB drive.

What is the best method to achieve this objective?

OBS iMac (20-inch Early 2008), OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Jul 9, 2016 1:51 AM

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Q: I have recently bought a new iMac and wish to give my old 2008 model iMAC to my son. I have a current backup in time machine and I ... more

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by Rudegar,

Rudegar Jul 9, 2016 3:25 AM in response to redrigg
Level 7 (28,674 points)

Apple TV

Jul 9, 2016 3:25 AM in response to redrigg

What to do before selling or giving away your Mac - Apple Support
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by redrigg,

redrigg Jul 10, 2016 10:46 AM in response to Rudegar
Level 1 (8 points)

Desktops

Jul 10, 2016 10:46 AM in response to Rudegar

Thanks, I have tried as described but now find that the iMac will not boot. I have tried safe mode start but all that happens is the restart sound and the progress wheel then it all switches off. I have retired the same backup file and the same happens again.

I have watched the restore action and it all goes off with approx 8 minutes remaining. Have I missed some vital key strokes?

Help.
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Q: I have recently bought a new iMac and wish to give my old 2008 model iMAC to my son. I have a current backup in time machine and I want to remove all my data and retain his user data. How do I achieve this aim?

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by Rudegar,

by redrigg,

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