Restore a Macbook Pro without the disc...

Hello!
I have had some issues with my Macbook Pro latley, so I have been trying to completly reset my Mac to the factory-preferences, without succes. The disc that I need to do this has somehow vanished and can't find it anywhere.
So my question is if it is possible to completly reset the Mac without any these external appendage so I can have my Macbook Pro running smoothly again? I have updated to the very newest version of Mountain Lion and would like to maintain that even after the resortation.
Thank you in advance!
Hampus, from Sweden.

http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro will take you to the proper forum and you could check in on Mountain Lion.
Yes you can.
Depends on when and what your Mac shipped with whether it has network install.
You can also clone or install Mac OS to external and totally nuke and do clean install from there too.

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How can i reset my macbook pro without the disc?

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You can get a set of discs specific to your machine by calling Apple. Cost is about $20, I believe. Be sure and have your serial number handy.
Then take a look at Thomas Reed's How to prepare your Mac for sale - that may not be exactly what you're doing but it will give your machine that factory-fresh feel.
Good luck,
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The photos you synced to your iPod through iTunes are no longer in their full resolution, but instead are scaled down thumbnails of those photos. So if you do manage to get them off your iPod, they will be quite small in size compared to the original ones you lost.
In order to get them off of your iPod, you'll need the help of some sort of 3rd party software. Here is one option.
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You need to check to see if your machine can handle Lion, it needs 4GB and a Intel Core 2 Duo or better.
Download the free MacTracker and see more specifics of everything.
http://mactracker.ca/
Next, you must realize that your Rosetta PPC based programs will not operate under Lion, likely you will have to buy all new programs.
If you machine is dated, a lot of the trackpad gesture features you won't have.
Check the source of all your third party sofftware and hardware drivers for scanners, all-in-one's and the like to make sure they work or there are updates, or upgrades available and how much.
http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
IDEALLY, it's best to backup files and then "fresh install" Snow Leopard clean, then upgrade to Lion.
Also you should make a option bootable clone of Snow Leopard on a external drive, this will allow you to return if something doesn't work.
You can learn all of this and more at my exhaustive post here, enjoy.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/16276201#16276201

Restore of MacBook Pro without disk, gets to the install of Mountain Lion and asks for Apple ID log in and then tells me to try again later.

i bought my MacBook Pro off a friend of mine last year, she did not restore it before selling it to me & I do not have the disk to restore it that way so I followed online directions to restore with the he power button option button method. It worked up until where it asks me to reinstall Mountain Lion OS, I select accept and agree to the terms and conditions which then asks for my Apple ID,once I enter the log in it it tells me that I am unable to download the software because it is unavailable   and to try again later so my laptop is essentially useless right now and won't let me reinstall the hardware needed. Is there a way to fix this or do I need to take it into a store for a genius bar appointment. I am really trying to avoid that.

Before buying a second-hand computer, you should have run Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test, whichever is applicable.
The first thing to do after buying the computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. You—not the original owner—must do that. Changes made by Apple over the years have made this seemingly straightforward task very complex.
How you go about it depends on the model, and on whether you already own another Mac. If you're not sure of the model, enter the serial number on this page. Then find the model on this page to see what OS version was originally installed.
It's unsafe, and may be unlawful, to use a computer with software installed by a previous owner.
1. If you don't own another Mac
a. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) installation disc from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller—not from eBay or anything of the kind. If the machine is very old and has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. Preferably, install as much memory as it can take, according to the technical specifications.
b. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the installation media that came with it: gray installation discs, or a USB flash drive for a MacBook Air. You should have received the media from the original owner, but if you didn't, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To start up from an optical disc or a flash drive, insert it, then restart the computer and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
c. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, you don't need media. It should start up in Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
d. Some 2010-2011 models shipped with OS X 10.6 and received a firmware update after 10.7 was released, enabling them to use Internet Recovery. If you have one of those models, you can't reinstall 10.6 even from the original media, and Internet Recovery will not work either without the original owner's Apple ID. In that case, contact Apple Support, or take the machine to an Apple Store or another authorized service provider to have the OS installed.
2. If you do own another Mac
If you already own another Mac that was upgraded in the App Store to the version of OS X that you want to install, and if the new Mac is compatible with it, then you can install it. Use Recovery Disk Assistant to prepare a USB device, then start up the new Mac from it by holding down the C key at the startup chime. Alternatively, if you have a Time Machine backup of OS X 10.7.3 or later on an external hard drive (not a Time Capsule or other network device), you can start from that by holding down the option key and selecting it from the row of icons that appears. Note that if your other Mac was never upgraded in the App Store, you can't use this method.
3. Partition and install OS X
a. If you see a lock screen when trying to start up from installation media or in Recovery mode, then a firmware password was set by the previous owner, or the machine was remotely locked via iCloud. You'll either have to contact the owner or take the machine to an Apple Store or another service provider to be unlocked. You may be asked for proof of ownership.
b. Launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive—not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive.
c. An unusual problem may arise if all the following conditions apply:
          OS X 10.7 or later was installed by the previous owner
          The startup volume was encrypted with FileVault
          You're booted in Recovery mode (that is, not from a 10.6 installation disc)
In that case, you won't be able to unlock the volume or partition the drive without the FileVault password. Ask for guidance or see this discussion.
d. After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. If you're installing a version of OS X acquired from the App Store, you will need the Apple ID and password that you used. When the installation is done, the system will automatically restart into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
e. Run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. To upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, get it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the original owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed—you have to repurchase them.
4. Other issues
a. If the original owner "accepted" the bundled iLife applications (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) in the App Store so that he or she could update them, then they're irrevocably linked to that Apple ID and you won't be able to download them without buying them. Reportedly, Mac App Store Customer Service has sometimes issued redemption codes for these apps to second owners who asked.
b. If the previous owner didn't deauthorize the computer in the iTunes Store under his Apple ID, you wont be able to authorize it immediately under your ID. In that case, you'll either have to wait up to 90 days or contact iTunes Support.
c. When trying to create a new iCloud account, you might get a failure message: "Account limit reached." Apple imposes a lifetime limit of three iCloud account setups per device. Erasing the device does not reset the limit. You can still use an iCloud account that was created on another device, but you won't be able to create a new one. Contact iCloud Support for more information. The setup limit doesn't apply to Apple ID accounts used for other services, such as the iTunes and Mac App Stores, or iMessage. You can create as many of those accounts as you like.

Can you use a MacBook Pro without the keyboard attached?

Hi,
I plan to upgrade the hard drive in my MacBook Pro (MBP) to a solid state drive (SSD). I also plan to remove the SuperDrive in the optical bay.
I have to install a new firmware on the SSD. Installing the firmware requires the SuperDrive.
I intend to remove the SuperDrive after installing the firmware. I'm using a Early 2008 MBP (Pre-Unibody). This MBP is a difficult to dismantle and assemble.
Can I run the MBP (to install the firmware in FreeDOS) without reattaching the top panel (which houses the keyboard). Or can I just lay the top panel on the MBP without screwing it down. Will either of these actions damage my MBP? Once I've installed the firmware on the MBP, I'll reattach the keyboard.
I don't want to dismantle the MBP (to insert the SSD), assemble the MBP (to install the firmware with the CD in the SuperDrive) then disassemble the MBP again (to remove the SuperDrive).
I'd rather dismantle and assemble the MBP once.
Lifting the top panel (which houses the keyboard)
[IMG]http://s1.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/AWVpQDJmt36GHxMS.large[/IMG]
[IMG]http://s1.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/CRBYPZtYRqpWYY4O.large[/IMG]
Please let me know.
Thanks!

Sorry, Just noticed you were not using the Unibody models.
I am unaware if the power button is dedicated. Seems like you're on the right track with iFixIt. I figure as long as USB is available, it should be okay.

How to downgrade from OSX 10.8.5 to Snow Leopard, on an Early 2011 MacBook Pro, without the original installer disk?

Hello! So here are the specs.
I have an Early 2011 MacBook Pro, which came with OSX 10.6.6 by default.
I've lost my installer disk so I though I'd buy a retail one from the online Apple Store, and version 10.6.3 is what they sent me.
Simply running the install OSX app won't work, I get a msg saying:
-- You can't use this version of the application "Install Mac OS X" with this version of OS X. You have "Install Mac OS X" 23.1.1. --
So, I've tried booting from the new disk hoping to erase my current drive and install Snow Leopard, but no can do, I get 3 beeps and have to force shutdown (not RAM related, see below). Laptop works fine when I spare it this maneuver.
After some research I understand 2 things:
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2. I can only install the default OSX (10.6.6) or a later version (that 10.6.3 DVD may not have the correct drivers for my system).
Are these conclusions right? If so, would the Apple Store replace my disk for an updated 10.6.6. one? If not, then what are my options?
Thank you!
References:
http://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1172/en_US/Snow_Leopard_Installatio n_Instructions.pdf
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3910
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2186
https://discussions.apple.com/message/19444837#19444837
https://discussions.apple.com/message/18085179#18085179
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1163160

Phone AppleCare and order the computer's original disks.
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Recently purchased new Macbook. I now need to delete all content on old Macbook Pro, before selling for parts. I cannot find the original installation disc. How do I reset to manufacturers settings and delete all personal content?
OS X 10.6.8

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TDM requires the computers to be connected. So you will need an appropriate cable and even an adapter. Which ones will depend on the ports on the computers. The following web page gives the basic info. You can google for other pages for more instructions.
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I must point out that you can buy a copy of OS 10.6 DVD for $20. Which might be less than the cost of the cables, and who ever buys your Mac would appreciate the OS dvd.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

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Hello!
A user in our office left their MacBook Pro (2007, OS 10.6.8) locked up in their desk during a holiday break. When they returned, the battery had swollen enough to force a corner of the access panel open. I removed the battery back and tray to inspect the insides: clean and dry. There appeared to be no leakage. We tried starting it up. The but the screen wouldn't even flicker. It remained black. (I noticed, too late, however, that the user kept holding down the power button when they didn't get what they were expecting from the screen.) The model is a 2007 MacBook Bro with Mac OS 10.6.8
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Brady_LS wrote:
Hello!
A user in our office left their MacBook Pro (2007, OS 10.6.8) locked up in their desk during a holiday break. When they returned, the battery had swollen enough to force a corner of the access panel open. I removed the battery back and tray to inspect the insides: clean and dry. There appeared to be no leakage. We tried starting it up. The but the screen wouldn't even flicker. It remained black. (I noticed, too late, however, that the user kept holding down the power button when they didn't get what they were expecting from the screen.) The model is a 2007 MacBook Bro with Mac OS 10.6.8
A couple questions:
1) I've never heard of a laptop battery swelling up on its own after lying dormant for two weeks. Is that possible? What are the normal indicators of a failing battery?
Swelling is a common indicator of a failing battery.
2) Is it possible to restart the MacBook without the battery pack and tray inside? What is the best procedure for doing or determining that?
Not always, and even if you can the MBP will run at a lower speed.
Replace the battery and all other components that were removed.

I was given a MacBook Pro without the install DVDs

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If I were you I'd purchase a Snow Leopard DVD for $29.00 before attempting to upgrade to Lion. If you have any problem with the latter, then you cannot go back without the installer DVD.
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See Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
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parveenkay,
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This question has been asked many times on here, but I just want to make sure I know the exact results before I start trying things out. My little brother and I swapped laptops (PC for Mac). He's young and I'm pretty sure he has been fairly reckless with security and downloads. I'd like to keep a few of the apps he has on here, but basically wipe every thing else. So his info security is not the worry, as it would be if he was selling the laptop to an unknown person. I'm primarily concerned about malware, trojans, and sneaky things like that.
Things I want to get rid of:
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Things I'd like to keep:
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2) Reinstall the OS
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2) Reformat the entire hard drive (Would this get rid of Bootcamp?)
I think reformatting sounds the safest, but would this get rid of all the apps? I also know very little about Time Machine, but I'm not sure I have a big enough external HD to use it anyways.

First, read this thread:
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If you haven't noticed any problems, there's a good chance there aren't any. It's like overmedicating a healthy patient.
I know you want to make certain your system is clean of malware. Delete the apps you don't want, and keep the once you want. I can't recommend drastic methods if only a simple cleanup is needed.

Restore a Macbook Pro without the disc...

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