Bought a used macbook pro 13", how do i clean off hard drive and reset to factory new?

can someone help me to re set my macbook pro 13" to factory "new" settings. i bought a lightly used Macbook and need to clean original user information off and allow for me to start as if new.
Thanks..

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718

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I just bought a used Macbook Pro. How do I make the changes to make it personal. Example the iTunes comes up as the old user and I have to have his password to make changes on the laptop. Can you make any suggestions?

I just bought a used Macbook Pro. How do I make the changes to make it personal. Example the iTunes comes up as the old user and I have to have his password to make changes on the laptop. Can you make any suggestions?
Also I cant make a right click on the pad. Is that normal?

Your first going to have to remove all your personal data off the machine to a external storage drive, do not use TimeMachine when it asks as this will copy the entire drive and is unnecessary at this time (also takes too long).
You need to drag and drop copy your personal data folders (Music, Pictures, Movies etc) to a external storage drive, once done, unmount and disconnect this drive.
Most commonly used backup methods
Next your going to follow the Zero Erase and install method for your OS X version, either 10.6 or 10.7, here
How to reinstall just OS X or erase/install OS X
10.7 requires your AppleID and password to install, so make sure to have that ready.
Once you reboot your into the real setup of OS X, which will require your name etc, so it's now your machine.
Install your programs, iLife package is only free for the owner of the machine.
If you have the 10.6 machine specific disks, then it's on there.
If your using 10.7, then you'll have to purchase it from the App Store.
Last, return your files from the storage drive, consider setting up a TimeMachine or clone on the external drive.

I bought a used macbook air, it didn't come with the flash drive to do a factory reset. Can I download the info needed and save it to my own flash drive and then do a factory reset? If not what can I do?

I bought a used macbook air, it didn't come with the flash drive to do a factory reset. Can I download the info needed and save it to my own flash drive and then do a factory reset? If not what can I do?

If it originally shipped with Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier, click here, phone Apple, and order a replacement.
If it originally shipped with Mac OS X 10.7 or newer, restart it with the Option, Command, and R keys held down.
(113079)

I just bought a iMac G5 iSight from my school, how do I clean the hard drive and set it up as a new iMac, I just bought a iMac G5 iSight from my school, how do I clean the hard drive and set it up as a new iMac

I just bought an iMac G5 with iSight. How do I wipe the hard drive and set it up as a new iMac

Boot from your Mac OS X installer DVD. After selecting a language, choose "Disk Utility" from the menu bar.
When Disk Utility launches, use the "Zero Out Data" option under the Erase tab. Erase the entire disk, not only the free space.
One pass of zeros is secure enough for normal use. One pass will take a couple of hours, so plan some time.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim

How can I wipe my hard drive and restore to factory settings without the use of the original OS CD?

I have a 2010 MacBook and I need to wipe the hard drive and restore to factory settings.
The problem is that even though I have the original disc, the CD drive has stopped functioning and will reject any disc put into it.
Therefore, is there another method to do this without the CD?

Not very easily. To restore to factory software you need the original installation DVD (CDs).
If you have another Mac which is the same make and model so that those installation DVD (CDs) would work, you can use a Firewire cable between the 2 Macs and then put your Mac to be reset into Target mode and use the other Mac to install the software. However I suspect that is unlikely.

What is the last generation of Retina MacBook Pro that have replaceable parts such as hard drives and memory?

I am interested in purchasing a used (probably refurbished) Retina MacBook Pro. Probably from the Apple Online Refurbished store.
Can anyone tell me what generation of Retina MacBooks were the last that had upgradeable parts such as hard drives, memory, etc.? Preferable in the terms of month/year like Apple states in their refurb section. I am aware that the remaining non-Retina MacBook is upgradeable.
As an example, here is a link to some I am considering:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0PW0LL/A/refurbished-133-inch-macBook-Pro-30- ghz-Dual-core-Intel-Core-i7-with-retina-Display
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0N40LL/A/refurbished-133-inch-macBook-Pro-29g hz-Dual-core-Intel-Core-i7-with-retina-Display
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0QC1LL/A/refurbished-133-inch-macbook-pro-28g hz-dual-core-intel-i7-with-retina-displa…

You can find that information from Mactracker's database or from www.everymac.com.

I bought a used macbook pro from a friend. Software updates are available, but when I try to update, the computer asks for apple id and will only accept the former owner´s. How can I connect my macbook to my apple id?

I bought a used macbook pro from a friend. Software updates are available, but when I try to update, the computer asks for apple id and will only accept the former owner´s. How can I connect my macbook to my apple id?

The first thing you should do after acquiring a used computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. How you do that depends on the model. Look it up on this page to see what version was originally installed.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard installation disc, which you can get from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller — not from eBay or anything of the kind.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the gray installation discs that came with it. If you don't have the discs, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To boot from an optical disc, insert it, then reboot and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, it should boot into 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.
Once booted from the disc or in Internet Recovery, 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, which is what you should do.
After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. When the installation is done, the system will automatically reboot 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.
You should then run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. If you want to upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, buy it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the previous 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.

I bought a used macbook pro no OS HELP

I bought a used macbook pro no OS HELPthat had mavericks on it. The owner wiped it as he should but it will not let me load it back because my apple id has never ordered it. What to do.

The first thing to do with a second-hand computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. You—not the original owner—must do that. How you do 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.
1a. If you don't own another Mac
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.
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 those 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.
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.
Some 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 may not be able to reinstall 10.6 even from the original discs, and Internet Recovery may 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.
1b. 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.
2. Partition and install OS X
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.
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.
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.
Then 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.
3. Other issues
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.
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.
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.

I bought a used MacBook Pro, I plan on restoring to factory settings, do I need original purchaser apple id?

So, I bought a used MacBook Pro (April 2010) today and I plan on restoring it to factory settings. I saw on a video of a factory restore that it will prompt for an apple id of the original purchaser. Now, I did find a buried thread on the subject and the answer was that I will need to purchase OSX. Not sure if this is true or there are more details than that. If this answer is correct, would the computer automatically recognize that my apple id has a purchased copy? Also, on another video I saw that discs such as the OSX and iLife are required. So in a nutshell I have no idea on how to go about this factory restore deal. This will be my first mac purchase so bear with me. If I havent been detailed enough let me know, ill try to explain better. Thanks!!

Do you have the original installation discs that came with the computer? If so you only need to boot from the disc, erase the hard drive, then install Snow Leopard.
Upgrade Paths to Snow Leopard, Lion, and/or Mountain Lion
You can upgrade to Mountain Lion from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mountain Lion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. To access the App Store you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later installed.
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
You must purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.
After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mountain Lion if your computer meets the requirements.
     Snow Leopard General Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
       2. 1GB of memory
       3. 5GB of available disk space
       4. DVD drive for installation
       5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;
           fees may apply.
       6. Some features require Apple’s MobileMe service; fees and
           terms apply.
Upgrading to Lion
If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mountain Lion, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes international calling numbers. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.
     Lion System Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,
           or Xeon processor
       2. 2GB of memory
       3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
       4. 7GB of available space
       5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Upgrading to Mountain Lion
To upgrade to Mountain Lion you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Purchase and download Mountain Lion from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mountain Lion is $19.99 plus tax. The file is quite large, over 4 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
     OS X Mountain Lion - System Requirements
       Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
         1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or later
         2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or later
         3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or later
         5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         7. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.
     Are my applications compatible?
         See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps.
     For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion.

I have a late 2008 Macbook Pro last updated to Mavericks OS. The screen died and it's not worth replacing. How do I remove the hard drive and use a drive sled to access info I need?

I have a late 2008 Macbook Pro last updated to the Mavericks OS. The screen died and I took it into an Apple store and was told replacing the screen and the hardware to repair everything would cost almost as much as buying a new laptop or a cheaper model. I was told that I can use a drive sled to access data I need on my hard drive. How do I remove my hard drive and use a drive sled to get to the information I need? What makes matters more complicated is I need to update my iPhone and my iTunes/App store purchases. How can I accomplish this?
My wife has a late 2008 Macbook Pro as well, which I am assuming I need to run my hard drive. Is there a way to just access just my hard drive without interfering with hers?
I know this is lengthy. Thanks to whoever looks at this and offers advice/instruction.

the device you need is an External enclosure for a 2.5" (laptop form factor) SATA drive.
A USB-interface enclosure will be slow, but is adequate for this task and for re-purposing as a backup drive later. A firewire-interface drive would be faster, but is harder to find, more expensive, and faster than needed for this purpose.
The drive will mount as an "extra" drive on your wife's Macbook, and you can drag and drop whatever you wish. You could create a separate Account for yourself on her computer, and use Migration Assistant or just copy your stuff over to the new account. Then it would not interfere with her files.

Just bought a used MacBook pro after my previous died. I want to migrate my applications, data, etc from a time machine backup of the old computer to the new. Will this affect, or overwrite the Apps., data, etc existing on the new machine?

Just bought a used MacBook pro after my previous died. I want to migrate my applications, data, etc from a time machine backup of the old computer to the new. Will this affect, or overwrite the Apps., data, etc existing on the new machine?

No. Only those Apps that are not installed on the new will migrate over.

I bought a used macbook pro that came with xcode

I bought a used macbook pro that came with xcode, this means I can develop Apps but to publish in App Store needed pay developer fees? Or must pay these fees from now?

All you have are the basic tools. Without a paid program in your name, you cannot distribute apps to the store.
See iOS Developer Program

So I just bought a used MacBook from Amazon with OSX 10.5.8. I am trying to install new software and operating system, but I don't have the passwords to the Users set up in the computer. What do I do?

So I just bought a used MacBook from Amazon with OSX 10.5.8. I am trying to install new software and operating system, but I don't have the passwords to the Users set up in the computer. What do I do?

Put your install DVD into the optical drive (CD/DVD drive) and reboot. Be sure to either use the disc that came with your Mac, or, if you installed a later Mac OS X version from disc, use the newer disc. As soon as you hear the boot chime, hold down the "c" key on your keyboard (or the Option Key until the Install Disk shows up) until the apple shows up. That will force your MacBook to boot from the install DVD in the optical drive.
When it does start up, you'll see a panel asking you to choose your language. Choose your language and press the Return key on your keyboard once. It will then present you with an Installation window. Completely ignore this window and click on Utilities in the top menu and scroll down to Reset Password. After resetting the password use Startup Disk from the same menu to choose your hard drive for startup and restart.

I just upgraded from my 2008 MacBook to a new Macbook Pro. How do I get my time capsule to work on my new MacBook? I did data migration, but the time capsule did not pick it up. Any ideas?

I just upgraded from my 2008 MacBook to a new Macbook Pro. How do I get my time capsule to work on my new MacBook? I did data migration, but the time capsule did not pick it up. Any ideas?

If you migrated all the info from time machine to your new MBP. The TM will usually ask to connect to the old backups.. sorry I am not sure is this what you want to do.. Personally I think you start a fresh backup.
BTW Time Capsule does not do anything.. it is a dumb hard disk in a box.. it is TM that does everything.
Look at B5 and B6 here about connecting to your backup.
http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html

I have a Powerbook G4, an iPhone 4 and a new Macbook Pro. How do I get my iTunes library and apps from iPhone over to the new Macbook pro without losing anything?

I have a Powerbook G4, an iPhone 4 and a new Macbook Pro. How do I get my iTunes library and apps from iPhone over to the new Macbook pro without losing anything?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Bought a used macbook pro 13", how do i clean off hard drive and reset to factory new?

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