Clean OS install

I am a newb to macs.I just got this mac and when i first got it all it would give is a message to restart.I bought the Mac OS 10.3 for it and would like to know how to wipe the harddrive and install the new OS on it

ZRAPTOR, welcome to Apple Discussions & the Mac community from a fellow Texan.
This link has the instructions. http://www.wikihow.com/Reinstall-Mac-OS-X
What color is the OS install disc? If it's black, it's a retail version and can be used. If it's gray and a disc from another model Mac, it's doubtful that it can be used. What are the markings on the install disc?
Is the restart message you get in multiple languages? If so, your are having a kernel panic, which usually indicates a hardware problem. With the OS install disc in the disc drive, will the Mac boot to it if you depress the c key at startup?
 Cheers, Tom

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Clean Leopard Install - Can't get Photos back in Right (tripling, etc)

Hi. I did a clean Leopard install then loaded my iLife '06. I have my "iPhoto Library" on my external. This contains folders 'originals', 'modified', 'data', and other accoutremonts. In iPhoto, I selected "Import" and thought things were going well till I saw 1) triple copies of each photo 2) no import of my tags for each photo, albums, folders, etc. I see 2000, 2001, 2002, etc. but no 'Canada Vacation', etc.
So, knowing I still had them on my external, I deleted over 10,000 photos from iPhoto to start anew. Then I figured the triples were coming from 'originals', 'modified', 'data' so I tried just importing "originals". This put only 1 copy of the photo in iPhoto, but it's a jumbled mess with no tags, sections, etc.
I checked the help section but am still not 'getting it'. Could someone point me in the right direction or explain what I should do here to get my iPhoto back to where it was pristine/organized? I'm befuddled.

I fixed my problem by accident. I merely dragged my "iPhoto Library" from my external to "pictures" in my home directory.

Mid-2010 27" iMac very slow, even after clean OS install - HELP!

Good afternoon guys, I'm hoping someone can offer me some advice.
I bought my Mid-2010 27" iMac in May-ish 2011. Everything was brilliant, I couldn't believe the ease of use, and especially the start up speed, coming from a world of PCs. My iMac was used almost every day, for web browsing, photo editing, etc.
Maybe about April / May this year it started becoming very slow, slow to boot, slow to respond to mouse clicks, slow to do anything. Since I'd used about 750GB of my HDD (mainly photos), I decided I would archive some and hope that would ease the congestion. As my photos were stored in Aperture, it took about 3 days to export them all to my external HDD, 3 days of the iMac only getting so far, switching itself off, then me finally getting it to come back on (I was getting messages about Kernals, etc. now and again through boot too) - it finally backed up my photos I have from my daughters first year.
Great news, but I still had probably 400GB / 500GB of photos from her second year and any other photos I'd taken. I found the root of my Aperture directory, and managed to pull these images off, so everything is now backed up.
I decided I should try and clean install, and managed to get the HDD to boot and choose the option to re-install from Apple's Servers. All installed OK, and we're good to go! Fired up the iMac, and although it's fractionally quicker to respond, and a lot more stable, it's not quite right. And I've lost all my iLife Apps which originally came with the iMac.
Does this sound like a HDD issue? As I say, it was on quite a lot through the backup procedure, and I had set it (maybe stupidly looking back now) to never sleep, and for the monitor to only switch off after 3 hours. Or does it sound like something more is wrong with it?
I am quite confident of working with PCs, so would manage to replace the HDD I think, looking at some videos, etc. online. I did upgrade the RAM to 16GB, and that was simple enough. My question is, when you replace the HDD, how does it know where to look to the Apple Servers for the clean OS install? Or do I have to do something to let it know where to look first? I have to point out I don't have any Time Machine backup, etc. as the iMac was just not stable enough to get this in place - and up until that point, again probably stupid now looking back, I had never bothered to set up.
Any help / advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated. At the moment I have totally fallen out of love with the iMac, for something to cost £1,500+ and only last 3 years, where my last build PC lasted Approx 8 years for half the price, is very disappointing.
Thanks in advance,
Col

Just suggesting things right off the bat here-
To me it sounds as though the HDD is failing, if your iMac shipped with a Seagate drive try entering your serial number to see if Apple will replace it:http://www.apple.com/au/support/imac-harddrive/
Or try running Apple Hardware Test a few times back to see if it is a hardware error.
As for the iLife apps they should've come on one of the install discs that shipped with your mac.
If your iMac is ineligible for the program above I would consider replacing it yourself with either an SSD or HDD, as for recognising apples servers for download, you will need the original install discs that came with your computer or if you haven't already it will need a firmware update to enable internet recovery
See here:Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery
Good Luck!

How can I get my iTunes to start up after a clean re-install?

Following the corruption of many of my Applications and Files, I had to have a Clean Re-install done.
That solved most of the problems, but when I try to start iTunes it comes up with the iTunes Software Licence Agreement.
When I click on Agree, I get the message "The File 'iTunes Library' cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes. That's it.
Do I try update my current iTunes 6.0.2, or what?
Your help in solving this problem would be much appreciated.

I can only speak from a Windows perspective.
Have you tried uninstalling Itunes, then uninstall quicktime and reinstalling both ?
if you log onto the pc as another user does itunes work then ? if so quicktime and itunes are fine and it's something specific to the user.
Try finding the itunes library (for vista c:\users\users name\music\itunes most likely), this is where your music is going to be along with what seems to be configuation files for itunes for that user. Try renaming.
Does Itunes work then ?
HTH

Should I do a clean OS install after buying second hand MacBook?

I just bought a second hand MacBook 2010 for my girlfriend. It came with a clean Lion installed. What is making me paranoid is that I use tracking software Prey on my own MBP and now how can I be sure that the new one hasn't got tracking software installed for opposite reason (to steal it and sell again)?
I know it might sound stupid, but I like to be prepared for the worst. So should I format the drive and install Lion again? What would you do?

I would never run a used Mac "as is"; there is too much potential for security violations or just software problems. I strongly recommend, unless you completely trust the person from whom you purchased the Mac, that you erase the hard drive and reinstal Mac OS X. That way you start fresh, without any of the cruft that accumulates on any OS, and of course remove any potential for malware such as a keylogger.
Regards.

I have a macbook pro with 10.6.8 on it but I need to do a clean re install and my CD is 10.4.6. Can I use the CD and then are my OS updates to 10.6.8 free?

I have a macbook pro with 10.6.8 on it but I need to do a clean re install and my CD is 10.4.6. Can I use the CD and then are my OS updates to 10.6.8 free?
Also can I use iMac OS install disks on a MacBookPro?

You will have to buy Snow Leopard:
You can 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. You also should find it at your local Apple retailers.
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.

Clean Re-install of iTunes?

Can I re-install iTunes without losing all my songs? iTunes just isn't working... Want to have my iPod back.

peetypoopy wrote:
I need to do a clean re-install of iTunes.
While I realise that the re-installed iTunes will pick up my music, will it also pick up the Lyrics I have attached to the music, and will it pick up the Artwork (some of which I have created myself). I dont know where iTunes puts these items.
Also - will it pick up playlists?
Advice from an iTunes guru please! (Or anyone else who knows!)
As far as I know, as long as you don't mess with any of the files stored in your iTunes folder or the iTunes library file (.itl), everything should come back fine. I believe the lyrics and artwork you add is also stored in your iTunes folder as well and logged in your iTunes library file, since it's essentially a database for the items in your library. You might want to make backups if you're still feeling nervous about it. Everyone should have backups all the time. I've lost my music library once (over 40GB) and that was enough for me.
You can backup your playlists really easily too. Backup info below:
Playlists
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93763
Library
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302392
Let me know how it turns out!

Firefox isnt opening..I av tried re installing in firefox safe mode..I av also tried to do a clean re instal..buh still..Firefox doesnt open..Wah shuld i do?

My firefox wouldnt open..I checked google..found answers..But yet it still didnt open..i re installed in safe mode.. I also tried checking for mallware..Buh am still safe.. i also did the clean re install method.... for 2 daiz now..My firefox hasnt opened...And i really need some passwords and informations

Hi!
Can you follow the steps listed at https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles to create a new profile and see if it works on there?
Also, please try performing the steps below again. Each is separated with a horizontal line.
Certain Firefox problems can be solved by performing a ''Clean reinstall''. This means you remove Firefox program files and then reinstall Firefox. Please follow these steps:
'''Note:''' You might want to print these steps or view them in another browser.
#Download the latest Desktop version of Firefox from http://www.mozilla.org and save the setup file to your computer.
#After the download finishes, close all Firefox windows (click Exit from the Firefox or File menu).
#Delete the Firefox installation folder, which is located in one of these locations, by default:
#*'''Windows:'''
#**C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
#**C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
#*'''Mac:''' Delete Firefox from the Applications folder.
#*'''Linux:''' If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it - see [[Installing Firefox on Linux]]. If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the [http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop Firefox download page], simply remove the folder ''firefox'' in your home directory.
#Now, go ahead and reinstall Firefox:
##Double-click the downloaded installation file and go through the steps of the installation wizard.
##Once the wizard is finished, choose to directly open Firefox after clicking the Finish button.
More information about reinstalling Firefox can be found [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-and-diagnose-firefox-problems?esab=a&s=troubleshooting&r=3&as=s#w_5-reinstall-firefox here].
WARNING: Do not run Firefox's uninstaller or use a third party remover as part of this process, because that could permanently delete your Firefox data, including but not limited to, extensions, cache, cookies, bookmarks, personal settings and saved passwords. These cannot be recovered unless they have been backed up to an external device!
The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. 
'''Note''': ''This will cause you to lose any Extensions and some Preferences.''
*Open websites will not be saved in Firefox versions lower than 25.
To Reset Firefox do the following:
#Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
#Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
#Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
#Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.
Further information can be found in the [[Reset Firefox – easily fix most problems]] article.

Save PSE organizer data before a clean OS install?

I'm going to do a clean OS install next month when Windows 7 comes out. However, I do not want to lose my organizer data (keywords tags, stars, comments, etc). I understand that PSE stores this kind of data in a database file or 2. Can I save this file(s) before the clean OS install so when I reinstall PSE, all this info for my photos/videos will still be associated with my photos/videos?
(Please note: I am planning on saving my photos exactly where they were before I do the clean install. This way my old organizer database file(s) can find the photos that are referenced in the DB file(s).)
Is there any instuctions on a webpage on how to do this?

In PSE 7, each catalog is stored in a separate folder containing mulitple files and subfolders. You can find the location of the current catalog folder by doing Help > System Info. Be sure to save the entire catalog folder, not just the "catalog.pse7db" file. With PSE 7, you can place that folder anywhere you'd like (not true with PSE 6).
When you copy everything to the new system, if the disk containing your photos is not the same exact disk (e.g. an external hard drive) as on your old system, make sure that it has the same drive letter as in your old system. Otherwise, all the files in your catalog will be marked missing, and you'll have to struggle with reconnecting them.

Clean re-install of Snow Leopard on Macbook 2,1 - how to do, have Snow Leopard CD.

I have an old (late 2006 or early 2007 I believe) Macbook 2,1 : Core 2 Duo. Too old to upgrade to Lion. Still good. Has been running slowly of late, would like to do a clean re-install of all the software. Did re-install Snow Leopard off CD, but it maintained all the existing software and did not help.
Thanks, Matt

Put your install DVD into the optical drive (CD/DVD drive) and reboot. 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 Disk Utility and click it. You should see your hard drive in the left hand column along with your other drives. Click on the drive and select the Erase tab. Set the format value to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and click the Erase button. After that has finished select the Partition tab. Type in a Name for your hard drive and select how many partitions you want from the Volume Scheme. The usual setting is one partition. Click on the Options button after you've selected a partition to make sure it's set for GUID. Then click the Apply button and after the Partitioning is done quit Disk Utility.
You can now follow the instructions on the install screen

Recovering iLife apps from a clean and install

i recently installed 10.4 with a clean and install and lost iMovie, iPhoto, etc. and cannot get them back without re-installing 10.3...is there any way to recover those applications from the install disk without reinstalling the original OS?
Thanks.

cmccuaig,
Just insert the Software Install and Restore Installer disk which came with your computer, and click on the Install Applications...package.From....Read Before You Install :
To install Classic Support or the applications that came with your computer
1) Insert the Software Install and Restore DVD that came with your computer.
2) Double-click the Install Applications & Classic Support icon.
3) Follow the onscreen instructions.
Note: iCal, iPhoto, iTunes, iChat, and iMovie are part of Mac OS X. To install them, you must follow the instructions for installing Mac OS X.;~)

Clean Leopard install on a new MacBook Pro???

Hi all,
I have a brand new MBP, with Leopard on disk as provided in the box. I think it's an upgrade version, if there is such a thing. I have heard that it's a good idea to do a 'clean" OS install, to get rid of trialware and stuff, also to help system performance. has anyone used the disk enclosed in the box to do so? If so, did it work? Can I even do that?
Any help or advice will be appreciated!!
Thanks,
dave

It depends -- if the MBP already has Tiger on it, then you may have Tiger install disks and "CPU Drop-in" Leopard disk, which is upgrade-only (meaning a clean install requires installing Tiger first, then Leopard). (See here.)
However, the amount of free/trial stuff on your MBP will be pretty small (probably just iWork), and as getting rid of it is a lot simpler than it is in Windows a clean resintall is a) more effort than it's worth, and b) probably pointless as the software will still get installed. Just drag any unwanted apps to the Trash, and they're gone!

Clean re-install Lion mid 2008 MBA

I have a MBA which I think is 'mid 2008' pedigree. Something like that, anyway. 2GB RAM. 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. That sort of thing.
Since putting Lion on it, it seems to have slowed down. Spinning beach balls all over the shop.
I've done all the usual stuff, permissions etc.
So here's the thing. Is it worth my doing a complete clean re-install of Lion? The sort that deletes everything on your laptop (I've backed it up already.)
Doing this is a bit of a chore, but I'm sure I can figure it out. Just I don't want to do it unless it's likely to achieve the result I want - i.e. a slightly less clogged-up MBA.
Ta.

To answer briefly.
On the short term: yes. it will make it faster.
On the long run: no. It will slow down again once you give it some use.
Lion is slower than Snow Leopard on these models, it makes them run hot, beachball more often and shaves around an hour of battery life.
Cheers

Clean re-install of OSX Mavericks

Hi,
I would like to do Clean re-install of My macbook pro with OSX Mavericks
Please advise the best and easiest way to re-install
Thanks in Advance
Dinesh Nithyanandam

How to Clean Install OS X Mavericks - OS X Daily
Alternatively, you can boot into internet recovery (option + command + R) and proceed from there (versus creating a bootable installer).

MacBook Pros Not waking up properly even after clean re-install

I just bought a used 17" Quad core MBP with 16gb of ram. I installed a samsung 512gb 840 Pro series SSD, transferred all my info from my old dual core i7 17" MBP. So both are 10.8.4.
The new MBP started not waking up from sleep. The keyboard would like up and the light in the front would indicate that it has started, but then it doesn't show anything on the screen.
Ultimately, I decided, i'll just do a clean re-install of OS 10.8 because maybe something went wrong in the migration. Now, with a fresh install when i wake it from sleep it seems to open as if it ran out of power and is doing a restore power up. The screen opens at half opacity and I get some progress dots and its back quickly. But it's still strange. The only thing installed on the computer at all is adobe production suite.
Odd thing is, that the OLD computer, the DUAL core i7 17" MBP is also not waking up from sleep properly now. It also has a new 128gb SSD drive It BTW. It doesn't fully wake up, so I have to hold down the power button, shut it down then turn it back on again. And again it does a recovery startup.
so now I have TWO computers having almost the same issues, and one of them has a fresh install. So what could the problem be? totally diffferent hardware. Does 10.8 not like SSD's in 17" MBP's?
any tips would be apreciated.

One last detail, connectivity through my iPhone's hotspot works completely fine. No idea if that is related / helpful in any way.

Tried to clean and install software on my Macbook

I was trying to do a clean and install on my computer and clearly I missed a set now all I get is a tire track on my sreen.

to be honest not sure where I went wrong. I placed the install DVD in and followed all the procedures and and when I got to the screen that I picked Erase and install it freezed becasue now that I am reviewing I should of gone to the top of the page and pick disk utilities.
Now when I place the disk in I hold down the option key and then pick the disk and the computer starts booting up it shows the apple and the spinning wheel but then the screeen turns blue then after a bit goes gray and the screen has a checker strip in down the middle of the screen.

Clean OS install

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