Bought used mac air from best buy need to wipe content
I need to wipe my used mac air
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.
It's unsafe, and may be unlawful, to use a computer with software installed by a previous owner.
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.
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I want to upgrade to iPad 3 when it is out but I have lost my reciept with which I purchase it from best buy stores in the US. Although, someone bought it for me and I was given the reciept but , in the process of packing to another house, I lost it. Am now asking, how do I go about this ie upgrading when the ipad3 hit the market stand?
You don't need your receipt, there is not upgrade policy at Apple. Just buy the new one when it comes out and sell the one you have now. If you are referring to trading it in at Best Buy you would need to contact them.
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I bought a macbook air in best buy "open box"
I dont have imovie or iphoto... and I really want them, what can I do?
Thanks in advanceIf you have done as SP Forsythe queried, since the computer was an open box, it may have been registered already by the person who originally bought the computer and then returned it. You may have to call AppleCare to get that straightened out.
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My brother bought me a present of Dreamweaver CS6 from the USA today, but bought the Windows version by mistake, rather than the Mac OSX 10.9 version. Anyone know the chances of exchanging (with receipt and unopened brand new box) from Best Buy in UK for Mac version?
Hello cdilliwa,
I fear a smooth handling of the ordering and delivery process you have to organize with "Best Buy". You could have a look at their customer service side > Help Center and use one of their offers. See here:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Global/Customer-Service/pcmcat87800050001.c?id=pcmcat878000500 01
Good luck!
Hans-Günter -
I have a lot of videos processed using elements 2. I have bought a MAC. If I buy the newest version of elements for my new mac, will i be able to easily transfer the videos to the newest version i.e. will the new software automatically integrate the work done on those videos. What is my best option to transfer those videos to my new mac. Thanks
phyli2
What is your "Elements 2" - Photoshop Elements 2 or Premiere Elements 2? For now I will assume Premiere Elements 2 which had to be on some version of Windows.
What do you have from Premiere Elements 2 - project files (.prel) or exports to file formats such as .avi or .mpg or .mov?
Project files from Premiere Elements (any version) Windows cannot be used in Premiere Elements (any version) Mac.
Video files exported from Premiere Elements 2 with its QuickTime choice (.mov files) would be likely to open in Premiere Elements 13 Mac. The other Premiere Elements
2 choices of MPEG and Windows Media would be expected to need conversion to .mov or .mp4 before import into Premiere Elements 13.
In Premiere Elements 13 Mac, consider importing the files from wherever you save files in Mac to a project with the project's Expert workspace Add Media/Files and Folders/Project Assets. I would strongly encourage you to set the project preset manually (File Menu/New/Project) to match the properties of these source files before import rather than let the project do it manually for you based on the properties of the first video dragged to the Timeline.
Please supply more details so that we can fine tune the reply. Any questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you.
ATR -
Just bought a mac air with OS X v.10.7 Lion, for work I need to read and write NTFS drives, I install MacFuse and NTFS-3G, but it can not mount (recognize?) External HDD, in my MBP with Snow lepard it work just perfectly... help please.
Reinstall MacFuse with the one from http://www.tuxera.com/mac/macfuse-core-10.5-2.1.9.dmg. If that doesn't work, you can use Paragon NTFS for Mac 9.0 which has been designed to work with Lion.
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I bought my Mac Air 13' in August. Black screen problems constantly happens. I asked some of my friends who also use Air. They share the same experience. Overall, it is a pretty good computer. But it bothers me when I do work and it suddenly goes black. What should I do about it?
without more information, I assume you mean a blackout from sleep issue.
Go to system preferences > energy settings > raise the "turn display off" setting up to as needed, say 5 mins. or 10 mins.
AND ...
unchecked the "Put hard disks to sleep when possible" in both the battery and power adapter tabs.
test it and check back -
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Today, I went to the mac store and asked the staff about above issue. Apple obviously sent me a mac air which was manufactured before October 2013 and therefore, iworks and OX Mavericks weren't installed. I have refund for around £45 to purchase iworks. However, I wasn't happy with what Apple actually did. I asked for replacement and refund the one I got and getting the new one from store so I can use mac straight away. however, the refund takes 5-7 working days. The staff on the phone told me if I have enough money I can just buy the new one in the store and get refund later. So I gave up! I was so disappointed with Apple. Even though I use the mac now, this was not the one Apple promised when I purchased online. if anyone would like to buy a mac, Please go to the actual store. DO NOT buy a mac through MAC ONLINE STORE!!! I strongly recommend! I feel like I wasted my time because the company doesn't keep its promise.
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Redemption code from Photoshop Elements 12 purchased from Best Buy does not work 'Oops! This code doesn't seem to be active. Please contact the retailer you purchased the card from, or use a different code.' I have an invoice and the pickup notice from Best Buy. What other information does Best Buy need? What will they do? Will I get a new box? What happened to the days of just typing in a simple s/n?
Redemption Code Help
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/redemption-code-help.html -
i bought a mac air yesterday and i was trying to download maverick but i could not do it, i try to download the old version of numbers because i needed for work, but i could not neither, but now when i check to download numbers is asking for to pay?
You are mixing different issues. I will address Numbers.
Has Numbers ever been installed on this new Mac? Did you have the Mac App Store version of Numbers or did you have the DVD version of Numbers?
You should be able to redownload a previous purchase of the Mac App Store version of Numbers from the Purchases pane after signing into your account.
If you had the DVD version, then you will need to install that from the DVD media. -
Just bought a laptop in store, now trying to get a promo code from best buy
I recently purchased a laptop in requirement with the new deal from microsoft offering a free xbox upon purchase of a PC of 699.99 or more. The guy in the store told me I needed to contact microsoft for the xbox, but microsoft says I need to get a promo code from best buy, help!
Best Buy is no longer participating in the xbox promo.
Crystal
Superuser
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*Remember to mark your questions solved and click the star to give kudos to show your thanks!*
While I used to be a Best Buy Employee, I no longer have any affiliation with Best Buy.
My opinions do not in any way shape or form represent Best Buy's Official decisions. -
Just bought Element 12 from Best buy. Tried to get serial number using inserted reception code provided. Get message saying code is invalid.
Have you also checked your receipt? And have you tried this?
Redemption Code Help -
hi ! i am using mac air i download from app store IDESKTOP when i open it its delete all my file and folder on my mac, hi ! i am using mac air i download from app store IDESKTOP when i open it its delete all my file and folder on my mac
Here you can contact the developer.
(Notice, I'm posting this line only once. Not 4 times. ) -
Just bought a mac air with OS X v.10.7 Lion, for work I need to read and write NTFS drives, I install MacFuse and NTFS-3G, but it can not mount (recognize?) External HDD, in my MBP with Lion it work just perfectly... help please.
Sorry in my MBP Snow lepard it work.. don't have Lion In MBP
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I bought a used Mac Book from the widow of a neighbor who had died. I am trying to set up wireless printing for a new HP printer and it asks for the Administrators password. Is there any way to break through this and create a new password?
Is the Macbook running? If yes, go to Apple Menu About This Mac to find out the version of Mac OS X you are running.
If the computer is not working, do you know the model, or the version of the operating system on the MB?
You can track down some information with the serial number. Here's how to find the serial number:http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1366
With the serial number you can identify the model on this site:
http://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php
When we know the model it will be much easier to answer your questions.
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