Can't do a factory reset because my ID is only valid for US store purchases

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Level 1

8 points

Can't do a factory reset because my ID is only valid for US store purchases

So here's the problem: my MacBook pro is six years old (I plan on buying a new one in October when I hear the new Retinas are coming out) and it's been serviceable up until the last month or so. It's freezing all the time, when it's not it's incredibly slow, if I leave it on sleep and try to connect my iPod to iTunes, it won't even sync unless I restart the whole ****** thing, it has trouble streaming videos now... Pretty sure I have a virus. Anyway, I figure it's time to upgrade but I can't for at least a couple more weeks because I'm in another country (as well as wanting to wait for the new Retinas) but I still want to use it while I'm stuck with it.

I looked up how to do a factory reset; backed up all my important files, ect. But I get to the part where it wants me to sign in with my Apple ID and it says my account is only authorized for US store purchases. This originally wasn't my MacBook, it was purchased by my ex who had it for a couple of years then gave it to me after we broke up and I didn't create my Apple ID until later. I tried contacting her to get her old ID but she switched to Windows a long time ago and doesn't remember her old ID.

How can I get my ID to work for a factory reset, is what I'm asking?

MacBook Pro, iOS 10

Posted on Oct 1, 2016 12:48 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Oct 1, 2016 3:48 AM in response to Eatpork

It would be helpful if you indicated the EXACT model/year of your MBP and the current OSX.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Eatpork Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2016 4:27 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Sorry. It's a 2010 13" macbook pro and I have maverick.

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Answer 3

Eatpork Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2016 5:10 AM in response to Eatpork

Also, how do you edit posts on here?

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Answer 4

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Oct 1, 2016 7:11 AM in response to Eatpork

This may or may not work but give it a try: Boot into the recovery partition and from the 4 option menu select Disk Utility>Erase and reformat the HDD. Then exit Disk Utility and select Reinstall Mac OSX.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201314

If that does not work, use the original installation disks that came with your MBP. You will have to erase the HDD and reinstall the original OSX (Snow Leopard) and the upgrade it top 10.6.8 via the Snow Leopard combo update. Then you will be able to install a newer OSX.

Ciao.

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Oct 1, 2016 7:14 AM in response to Eatpork

Eatpork wrote:

Also, how do you edit posts on here?

Click on this box and a dropdown menu will appear. Select EDIT>

Ciao.

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Answer 6

Eatpork Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2016 7:23 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

It won't let me erase the disk utility, already tried that and I no longer possess the original install disk.

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Answer 7

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Oct 1, 2016 8:53 AM in response to Eatpork

Eatpork wrote:

I no longer possess the original install disk.

Contact Apple Customer Service. They can provide you with a duplicate set. (have the MBP serial number ready)

Ciao.

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Answer 8

Eatpork Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2016 8:59 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Yeah, that doesn't do me any good, in another country on deployment so by the time it would make it to me, we'd already be leaving. Sounds like I'm insurmountably ******.

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Answer 9

Eatpork Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2016 10:54 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Okay, I was able to erase the disk but how do you reformat it? I see no such option.

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Answer 10

Eatpork Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2016 11:18 AM in response to Eatpork

Well, yup, I was able to erase the disk utility, now it boots up to the utility menu every time. But it still gives me that ******** about my "Apple ID is only authorized for US store purchases, you will be switched to there"... And then... Nothing ******* happens. I don't understand!

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Answer 11

Eatpork Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 1, 2016 11:30 AM in response to Eatpork

And I've also tried getting into internet recovery (it's just command+ option+R, right?) And that does absolutely nothing! This is such ********!

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Answer 12

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Oct 1, 2016 11:42 AM in response to Eatpork

Did you boot your MBP with the COMMAND + R keys? If you did, you should see a recovery partition which you should select. This will result in this menu:

Then you should click on Disk Utility and select ERASE. You should see this:

Note that in the format box is Mac OS Extended (Journaled). If you did not see that, you will have to do it over again.

If this was successful, you should exit Disk Utility and select REINSTALL MAC OSX. That should result in the last OSX being installed and where you should be able to enter your Apple ID.

Ciao.

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