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Q: If I erase the hard disk on iMac what version of OS X will I get?

I have a mid 2007 iMac which is running the latest version of Yosemite. I am going to sell or give this away and want to reset and erase the hard disk. Support docs say a reset will restore to the original OS which in this case is 2007? How can I get Yosemite back so the new owner can start with a more current OS X?

iMac (20-inch Mid 2007), OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Aug 17, 2016 11:01 AM

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Q: If I erase the hard disk on iMac what version of OS X will I get?

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  • by Niel,Apple recommended

    Niel Niel Aug 17, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Hubablank
    Level 10 (311,939 points)
    Aug 17, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Hubablank

    You need to restore it to 10.6.8 or earlier and tell the new owner to upgrade the OS themselves. Anything newer than 10.6.8 you put on it(except for a 10.7 installation which came from one of Apple's USB thumbdrives) will be tied to your Apple ID and not transferable.

     

    That Mac doesn't support Apple's Internet Recovery system.

     

    (144085)

  • by Hubablank,

    Hubablank Hubablank Aug 17, 2016 12:40 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 17, 2016 12:40 PM in response to Niel

    Looks like I have 2 answers that maybe? contradict each other. I'll guess I'll just have to go for it and see what I end up with. Thanks for your help.

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Aug 17, 2016 2:42 PM in response to Hubablank
    Level 6 (14,269 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 17, 2016 2:42 PM in response to Hubablank

    The second reply is correct: if you are selling or giving the computer away - after restoring it correctly.

    Include the physical media so any subsequent owners can actually take ownership & upgrade it.

     

    Otherwise the new owner will have a computer tied to your AppleID and not be able to update or

    upgrade the applications, or use any online stores. And Admin user account would be tied to you.

     

    The physical media is required as noted, to enable the second owner to restore function and then

    go online to use his/her AppleID in association with Mac App Store, to upgrade the computer.

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Aug 17, 2016 2:48 PM in response to Hubablank
    Level 7 (26,897 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 17, 2016 2:48 PM in response to Hubablank

    Neil is correct.

     

    A 2007 iMac would have shipped with OS X 10.5 Leopard.

     

    You can use to install that if you have the original OS discs, or install 10.6 Snow Leopard from Retail Discs if you have them.

     

    You cannot sell the computer with Yosemite as it would be tied your Apple ID.

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Aug 18, 2016 2:27 AM in response to Hubablank
    Level 6 (14,269 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 18, 2016 2:27 AM in response to Hubablank

    Important: A clean install of OS X (esp 10.7+) requires formatting the Mac hard drive, meaning all content on

    the disk will be removed and erased. Be sure you have your important files backed up before attempting this.

     

    (And a 'clean install' of OS X from the Mac App Store, requires Internet Recovery, to install on new HDD...

    Where one may need to reformat, partition, or do other Disk Utility functions on the otherwise blank drive.)

     

    The original DVD system install restore media allows someone to use the computer;

    a retail OS X 10.6.3 DVD Snow Leopard allows one to have the last physical bootable

    install for a supported system in that computer - or any other old similar-status model.

     

    The install media is a key that should be included with the hardware. An original system can be used to be

    sure the new owner can see the computer starts up and runs correctly; it need not be updated to the last

    Combo update (from original install-restore 10.5 grey-label DVD Apple part numbered for that iMac.) You

    can exit the Installer before personalizing the computer; so the new owner will need to on first start, after.

    (Or make a new 'Admin User' named account, do not personalize it with real info, & provide password to

    the new owner. They can see it runs OK - they choose what else to do with it. Or pay $20 for retail 10.6.3.)

     

    There have been methods suggested online and even in ASC discussions about a workaround...

     

    If the computer could use 'Internet Recovery' to get an original online replacement system, that would not

    be one you downloaded by way of having Snow Leopard already in the Mac, via the Mac App Store. But

    the computer you have cannot use Internet Recovery, it is not a supported hardware version. -- re: niel.

     

    • Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery - Apple Support

     

    If the model version you have could use the EFI update as suggested for certain models, it may then work.

    Certain work-arounds for specific circumstances, may do the task; within their limits. ~ Niel is correct.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Aug 18, 2016 8:15 AM in response to Hubablank
    Level 8 (48,595 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 18, 2016 8:15 AM in response to Hubablank

    According to Apple's Software License Agreement, you may transfer the iMac's originally installed operating system to the new owner. In your case, that was either Tiger or Snow Leopard, depending on when it was shipped. Your iMac's original, grey System Install DVD contains that operating system.

     

    If you no longer have that disc, the new owner can purchase Snow Leopard, install it, update it, and subsequently upgrade to El Capitan. Or, if the new owner already purchased an operating system, he or she can download and install that operating system after installing Snow Leopard (and updating it).

     

    How can I get Yosemite back so the new owner can start with a more current OS X?

     

    You may not do that. That's up to the new owner. The upgrade from Snow Leopard to a later operating system is free. If you leave Yosemite installed on your Mac, the new owner will encounter continuous problems when asked to provide your Apple ID for software reinstallations, updates and other services linked to your Apple ID.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Aug 18, 2016 8:32 AM in response to Hubablank
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Aug 18, 2016 8:32 AM in response to Hubablank

    You may see a conflicting answer; unfortunately, that answer is not correct and would violate the licensing agreement. As well, the buyer would essentially be running a pirated copy of the OS. Not a good thing to do.

  • by Hubablank,

    Hubablank Hubablank Aug 18, 2016 9:11 AM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 18, 2016 9:11 AM in response to babowa

    Way too much information here.  So this is what really happens.

    I started in Recovery mode and went to Disk Utility (now this is an area where clearer documentation is needed!) I was finally able to erase the hard drive,

    When system came back up I clicked Reinstall OS X.

    Window comes up: OS X Yosemite... To setup installation of OS X 10.10 click Continue.

    Click thru until system asks for an Apple ID.  At this point I am leaving this to the new owner to enter. 

    This is what I had in mind. FYI the following link cuts thru most of the chatter.

    http://www.mactrast.com/2015/07/wipe-mac-selling-donating/

    Thank you all for your input and help.

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Aug 18, 2016 9:16 AM in response to Phil0124
    Level 7 (26,897 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 18, 2016 9:16 AM in response to Phil0124

    Somehow my other reply got removed along with CBennett's erroneous reply. 

     

    It is not possible on this particular model of iMac to sell it with Yosemite installed.

     

    The model of iMac does not support Internet Recovery and as such Yosemite cannot be installed without providing an Apple ID which violates the licensing agreement.  As you cannot sell or give away a Mac with an OS that is tied to an Apple ID.

     

    Window comes up: OS X Yosemite... To setup installation of OS X 10.10 click Continue.

    Click thru until system asks for an Apple ID.

    I believe at that point its expecting your Apple ID for it.  You cannot as has been explained  sell it with Yosemite installed.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Aug 18, 2016 9:33 AM in response to Hubablank
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Aug 18, 2016 9:33 AM in response to Hubablank

    Way too much information here.

     

    Not really, as everyone (except one poster) agrees on the proper and legal way to do it.

     

    It is besides the point whether or not you can reinstall Yosemite (of course you can as it is designed this way for the Apple ID used to obtain it in the first place); if you sell it with Yosemite installed, the buyer will be using a Mac with a pirated OS which cannot be reinstalled; nor can the apps be updated.

     

    You really should consider doing the right thing: follow the terms of the licensing agreement which means you must erase any OS or app downloaded from the app store.

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Aug 18, 2016 4:00 PM in response to Hubablank
    Level 6 (14,269 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 18, 2016 4:00 PM in response to Hubablank

    Another fact, is the Recovery partition would naturally be erased (or non-existent)

    in a computer with a 'new' hard disk drive, or 'secure erased' existing disk drive...

     

    And the lack of Internet Recovery, will not allow the computer to go online to restore

    these essential functional bits, as that naturally would be removed in a legal & correct

    process to prepare the unit for re-sale; or even if gifting to a charity or an individual.

     

    • What to do before selling or giving away your Mac - Apple Support

    The general delivery of advice in this Support document is not fully correct, in this situation.

     

    {If the computer was to stay in the same household, another user account, (admin)

    could be applied; then other issues or questions may arise should these users each

    have iTunes or other store accounts. Their content purchased while logged in and

    each with a separate AppleID, may involve detailed steps to adequately address.}

     

    In the olden days, to have a demonstration system installed so a potential user would

    see the computer running, I'd set up an Admin account (generic) and let the charity

    thrift store know its password; and set up a 'daily user' (no guests in old OS version)

    with limited permissions, so the computer would not restart into the Admin account.

     

    Then anyone happening across the unit for sale, would not be able to mess it up much.

    But see it was in working order and decide if they wanted to gamble on buying it; with

    all original accessories, manuals, software, and if available, original box with receipt.

     

    The question, "If I erase the hard disk on iMac what version of OS X will I get" is answered

    because if you actually erase the hard disk on the model in question, using the prescribed

    method of correct OS X software on media discs, the actual answer would be "None."

    {Or none that would be legal, if workable by any other means, for a new owner to use it.}

     

    So perhaps now the best advice to follow, as those in control of accident traffic say, is: "move on..!"

  • by CBennett2498,

    CBennett2498 CBennett2498 Aug 20, 2016 12:46 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (94 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 20, 2016 12:46 AM in response to K Shaffer

    Thank you! I just want to move on as well after everyone and their brother jumped on the bandwagon.

     

    I didn't realize it would have been violating the license agreement. I figured that because he would be entering is Apple ID/password to re-download (which I now know isn't possible with his computer), there would be no way that it would be considered illegal or pirated. It's not like it was being downloaded off a torrenting website, besides it free.

     

    All in all, I just wanted to apologize for my incorrect information.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Aug 20, 2016 8:18 AM in response to CBennett2498
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Aug 20, 2016 8:18 AM in response to CBennett2498

    Thank you; everyone "jumped on the bandwagon" because it was confusing to the OP and might have resulted in the eventual buyer of that machine running what would essentially be an illegal copy of an OS - since the license is not transferable, it violates the SLA to pass on a non-transferable license. It helps to be aware of the legal ramifications before making suggestions - the software being free is irrelevant; here is a link to the El Capitan licensing agreement (I've highlighted the most relevant passages):

     

    http://images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/OSX1011.pdf

     

    In particular, read para. 2B which includes:


    you are granted a limited, non-transferable, non-exclusive license


    and para 3B (Transfer) which includes:

     

    If you obtained your license to the Apple Software from the Mac App Store, it is not transferable.

    If you sell your Apple-branded hardware to a third party, you must remove the Apple Software from

    the Apple-branded hardware before doing so



  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Aug 21, 2016 11:30 AM in response to Hubablank
    Level 10 (140,913 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 21, 2016 11:30 AM in response to Hubablank

    Also be sure to follow this Apple document: What to do before selling or giving away your Mac - Apple Support

    OTsig.png