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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Imac Restore
tk08245 - Aug 21, 2005 - 7:18 pm
I have an iMac G4 which I am selling to a friend so that I can get the new iMac G5. I was wondering if there is a way to restore the computer to its factory settings as well as clear out any of my files and such. Thanks!
Cheryl - Aug 21, 2005 - 8:24 pm
Tara,
The best way to prepare the computer for a new owner is to completely wipe the drive clean and install a fresh copy of the OS.
You should back up all your installers, documents, emails, photos, etc. so you have them ready for your new machine.
Start up the iMac with the OS CD that is presently installed on the computer (If you are running 10.3, start up with the 10.3 CD). Just insert the CD, restart the computer and immediately hold down the C key.
When the computer starts up, do not click on the install screen. Instead, go to the Installer Menu at the top of the screen and select Disk Utility.
When that opens, click on the first hard drive icon in the side bar at the left, then click on the Erase tab.
Now make sure you select Mac OS Extended in the format and install OS 9 drivers (just in case the new owner wants OS 9 installed later).
Click on the erase button. You will get a warning that it will complete erase the drive.
When the erase is done, click on First Aid and Repair the Drive.
Now quit Disk Utility and proceed with the install.
Once the install is done, you will have to restart the computer. When it starts up the Setup Assistant will pop up. Just shut down the computer so the new owner can set up to his/her own specifications.
You are done and ready to sell it. Just a reminder, make sure you include all the cables, original CD packet that came with the machine, as well as the OS CD that is it presently running.
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Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
The best way to prepare the computer for a new owner is to completely wipe the drive clean and install a fresh copy of the OS.
You should back up all your installers, documents, emails, photos, etc. so you have them ready for your new machine.
Start up the iMac with the OS CD that is presently installed on the computer (If you are running 10.3, start up with the 10.3 CD). Just insert the CD, restart the computer and immediately hold down the C key.
When the computer starts up, do not click on the install screen. Instead, go to the Installer Menu at the top of the screen and select Disk Utility.
When that opens, click on the first hard drive icon in the side bar at the left, then click on the Erase tab.
Now make sure you select Mac OS Extended in the format and install OS 9 drivers (just in case the new owner wants OS 9 installed later).
Click on the erase button. You will get a warning that it will complete erase the drive.
When the erase is done, click on First Aid and Repair the Drive.
Now quit Disk Utility and proceed with the install.
Once the install is done, you will have to restart the computer. When it starts up the Setup Assistant will pop up. Just shut down the computer so the new owner can set up to his/her own specifications.
You are done and ready to sell it. Just a reminder, make sure you include all the cables, original CD packet that came with the machine, as well as the OS CD that is it presently running.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
tk08245 - Aug 23, 2005 - 11:16 am
I was wondering, is there any way to do what you previously described without having the cd from the latest OS? I am away at school and the install cd is at my house. Is there another way to do the same thing or is the OS cd the only way? Thanks!
Cheryl - Aug 23, 2005 - 6:39 pm
Tara,
The safest way is to use the OS install CD. If you trash files, you may render the computer un-bootable/unable to start up as it already has you set as the administrator. Using the CD is the only way to get it back to factory settings.
As an added point, you should have the OS CD with you, as you may need it to use Disk utility to repair the drive when a problem occurs.
And the OS CD should be given to the new owner just for the same reason.
You may need to have some one from home send you the CDs. OfficeMax and other office supply stores do sell bubble envelopes for shipping CDs.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
The safest way is to use the OS install CD. If you trash files, you may render the computer un-bootable/unable to start up as it already has you set as the administrator. Using the CD is the only way to get it back to factory settings.
As an added point, you should have the OS CD with you, as you may need it to use Disk utility to repair the drive when a problem occurs.
And the OS CD should be given to the new owner just for the same reason.
You may need to have some one from home send you the CDs. OfficeMax and other office supply stores do sell bubble envelopes for shipping CDs.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
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