How to erase everything ?

Hi, I would like to give my wife's white Macbook to my daughter as I have bought my wife the new MB air. How should I proceed to erase everything and put back to like factory settings ? I would like my daughter to start with the empty macbook. Thanks for any help.

Hi,
You do everything from the System Install disks that came with the Macbook, have a look here.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3910#1
I am assuming you are referring to OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard.
Message was edited by: oldscribe

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How to erase everything in iTunes and start over

I now realize that I have TWO of each file and that NEITHER file shows the play count and rating from my previous computer. Furthermore, none of my playlists show up.
For this reason, I would like to know how I can erase EVERYTHING in my iTunes library (music, videos, etc.) and start over.
I used this tutorial to move all my music: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300173
Someone please tell me how I can erase everything and start over so I can transfer all my music and playlists and music information (stars, play counts) from my iBook to my MacBook.

I've transferred music between computers like that, and I have NEVER been able to transfer play counts and ratings, which can be pretty frustrating, but hey at least you have all your music. If you want to start over, just select all your iTunes songs and erase them, and then open the music files on your harddrive or iPod or wherever they are, and you should be fine. If it bothers you seeing a zero next to the playcount, you can try hiding the playcount under the settings so you won't be reminded of it. I don't think it's possible to transfer playcounts, but if it is then good luck, and I hope this helps!

How to erase everything off ipod

Hello, I want to sell my ipod but don't know how to erase all the music from the ipod WITHOUT clearing the songs in ITunes. Anything would help. Thanks.

Just do an iPod restore from the computer, then disconnect it. Wipes everything from the iPod and doesn't touch iTunes. To restore, use one of those ipod upgrade downloads, and instead of upgrading, click on the restore button. Takes about 5 seconds.

How to erase EVERYTHING and put my MacBook into a "virgin" state?

While living in the USA, a friend of mine visited me and asked me:
"So, ...can you show me your Mac!?!?"
"I don't have a Mac, I have a PC."
"But... EVERYBODY has a Mac! I saw your Powerpoint-presentations, they were fabulous! You MUST have made them on a Mac!"
"No."
"You do have a Mac! Admit it!!!"
(Go argue with a die-hard 'Apple-fan'...)
I thought, I should put her 'at ease' and showed her my PC. THEN it started!:
"David, EVERYBODY knows Mac's are muuuch better than PCs!!! Get rid of this 'Dreck' and buy a Mac, TODAY!"
Either way (I did not) but she pushed me day-in-day-out to comply with HER wishes. So, finally, I bowed my head and bought a Mac for $999.00.
Yes, it is a ‘good’ machine, but far below my expectations created by her. In August of 2009, I moved to Israel (and made an even bigger mistake by investing MORE in my Apple, by upgrading it to the "Snow Leopard" OS.
For the last six months though, I severed all my emotional ties to my Mac and bought yet another (this time a real!) PC.
Now, my dilemma is as follows:
- I want to SELL my Mac! However, there are tons of private documents and data on it.
- Yes, I could 'try' to erase them and sell the Mac "anonymously" on the Internet but it would take only a few days until my phone rings: "Hi, is this David? Well, you don't know me,- but I know YOU. I bought YOUR Mac. And let me tell ya', you have i-n-t-e-r-e-s-t-i-n-g stuff on it!
I totally want to avoid any of such potential annoyances!
I want to put my Mac into a complete "VIRGIN" state,- the same way I picked it up from the Apple Store.
I looked for the procedure in Apple's documentation and also searched on the Internet. (fruitless).
Can anybody out there help me, by providing me instructions on how to achieve my goal?
Thanks
David

Sometimes an enthusiast can be dangerous; the computer undoubtedly
is flawless and superior in so many ways. But to jump into something
different is not always the way to change ships while at sea...
The advice given, the link and also the basic outline of the process, are
both good. You can also +Quit the Installer before the computer would+
+normally re-start and begin the personalization processes+ so the new
owner, on first start-up, would be guided through the same "new" steps
you were to input their name and other info. However, if someone just
wants to see the computer run, this does not allow a demo run-up. If
the OS X system restore/install is done correctly for a new owner to
get it, and be able to personalize it on first-run, the computer will not
just start up again. It will begin by asking for the new owner information.
Another route, would be to install the complete system, and while doing
so, do not give the initial setup owner a real name or address; as that
will be part of the computer's name until such time as the hard disk drive
gets totally erased again and an all-new system install takes place.
{There is a way (I don't recall) to run a setup assistant again, and give the
computer a new owner user account; and erase the initial setup one.}
I've done what several have, with an older Mac; so possible buyers can
see the unit works. And include the correct system discs so they can do
a complete install if they so choose; or just re-set the Admin Password
and continue using the computer (and make other user accounts, etc.)
If you run the installer totally and either Quit the installer before it would
normally restart to begin personalization, or power-off the Mac, the next
time it starts, it will being asking for the owner/user info to set it up. You
could give it a generic "MacBook Devotee" or other such ownername
and really throw them, or something such as MacBook User, at 123
Anystreet, Anytown Israel; if you give it an alias setup address, don't let
it try to go and register itself online. That would be meaningless.
{And, if you give it a generic Admin user first account, be sure to supply
a subsequent owner the password (letters & numbers are more secure)
and tell them they can change the password. Also, set up a second user
account, either a Standard User or a second Admin. This allows the new
owner or prospect to muck around in the second user account or a third
new one, with their own name and password, and use the original Admin
to do just that; administer to the OS X and perform updates, etc.}
Some do the complete set-up, and then go online for the system updates
and security updates and install all of those into the computer; so if that
is done for a new owner in a generic Admin account, it would be updated.
But not in their name in the main Admin or computer name account.
There is another way, to fully install and update the OS X and then reset
the user accounts so the initial one disappears; and the first-run again is
where the booted computer starts asking personal questions of the owner.
I have read of this process, but do not know it well enough to repeat it here.
However that works out, someday you may awaken with a craving to have
a new computer; even if you get a windows box, look close. It's almost a Mac.
They get their inspiration from creators of the original content. A clever copy?
Good luck & happy computing!

How to Erase everything from my Mac

I have a MacBook Air running version 10.9 and i want to get rid of all my files, i dont have anything important on it that i want to keep. I've read that you need a disc of some kind, but i dont have one or anything. so what should i do?
I am wanting to sell my mac thats why i need to erase the stuff

There's an "invisible" recovery disk partition (which is where the Command + "R" boots from) that leaves enough of the Operating System behind for you to boot from. This area does not get erased.

How to erase everything from ssd?

I had problems with my hdd. everytime i put my macbook pro 2009 to sleep. i couldnot do anything like delete, copy, restart or shut down. so i bought ssd cloned it from my hdd and started using it. it was working fine and then it started giving me the same problem. Now my compter doesnt even start. when i push the power button, i see a downloading bar. when the bar completes downloading( idk what it downloads) it turns off.
what should i do?

Post in a new thread wiith the title "MacBook Pro Won't Boot" and you are more likely to get a response.

I want to erase everything, and leave a clean Lion OS

Can someone tell me how I erase everything on my computer (Macbook Pro) and restore just the Lion OS?
(I'm giving my machine away to another person, want them to have it like it came from Apple.)

Install or Reinstall Lion from Scratch
If possible backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive.
Boot to the Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Erase the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your startup volume (usually Macintosh HD) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Erase button and wait until the process has completed.
Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion: Select Reinstall Lion and click on the Install button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.

I updated my iPod and it erased everything i had on it. How do i retrieve the songs that i bought from the iTunes store? when i try to download/buy them again they tell me i have already purchased them do i want to buy them again?

I updated my iPod and it erased everything i had on it. How do i retrieve the songs that i bought from the iTunes store? when i try to download/buy them again they tell me i have already purchased them do i want to buy them again? I have authorized my computer but none of them are in my music now.

You buy one and only one download.
It is your responsibility to move/copy/backup your music.
Certainly you did not update your ipod without making sure that you had transferred anything purchased on the ipod to your computer and included it in your regular backup copy of your computer.

How do I sync my iPhone to my MacBook without having to erase everything?

Hi,
I've had my iPhone for a little over a year now, and it used to be synced with a PC desktop. This summer, I got a MacBook Pro, and moved my iTunes library over to the MacBook using an external hard drive (which I struggled with - I lost all my playlists and a couple dozen songs, but I've sort of figured it out). But I still haven't synched my iPhone to my MacBook yet. I'm in college, so I decided that when I came home, I would try and sync it, because just in case anything goes wrong, I would be at home where the desktop is.
So I homeshared a couple of albums with my sister onto my MacBook, and when I tried to sync my iPhone to my MacBook, it told me that I would have to erase everything to be able to sync it to that computer.
I called Apple and talked to them (with little success) about how to avoid erasing everything, but they said I don't have many options, and that the iTunes back up only backs up "iTunes purchases." Obviously, all my music isn't purchased on iTunes, so I really don't want to lose half of my iTunes library.
My problem is that I can't figure out how to be able to sync my iPhone to my MacBook without erasing everything. I'm not able to come home frequently enough to be able to get new music onto my MacBook, homeshare it with the desktop, and then sync my iPhone to the desktop. Especially after I graduate, I really don't want to be tied down to the desktop at my parent's house.
How can I fix this? The Apple guy said that Apple products are "monogomous" - they only like to be synched to one computer. How can I switch computers without losing everything on my iPhone?
Please help!

Here's an article in line with your request: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
It's called "iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer".

How do I use a different email on my daughters ipod? It used to be my sons and we need to get his email off without erasing everything.

I am just trying to set my daughters ipod, that used to be her brothers. I don't want to erase everything but I want her to have her own email account on this ipod. So that the itunes aren't shared. How do I go about that?

CHANGE ID
The ID is used for:
Use the new ID on her iPod but only for:
Settings>Messages>Send and Receive
Settings>FaceTime
Settings>GameCenter
Settings>iCloud
and Settings>iTunes and App store
You have to sign out of ID (for iCloud you delete the iCloud account from the iPod) and sing in with other ID.
Note:
- Apps are locked to the account that purchased them.
- To update apps you have to sign into the account that purchased the apps. If you have apps that need updating purchased from more than one account you have to update them one at a time until the remaining apps were purchased from one account.
If the iPod has iOS 7 then you have the enter the password for Apple ID presently sign in Settings>iCloud.
Also, a Restriction can be set (Settings>General>Restrictions) the prevents changing accounts

I can't back up my information to iCloud and sync them to my iPad. I tried to reset the account by erasing everything in the account but the problem is still there. Can someone let me know how to delete everything in my account and start a new backup.

Hello,
I'm having probelms backing up my information to my iCloud account. I tried to reset the account and erase everything in my account but the problem is still there. The problem is that my iPhone is not able to complete the backup process and all it is saying a problem occured.
Someone Pleas let me know how to reset my account, delet everyhting in the Cloud and start a new backup.
Thanks very much,
Dalal Tammar

Welcome to the Apple Community.
You might try a forced shutdown to begin with, hold down the top and home buttons together until the device shuts down, then restart it.
First check that your device is correctly connected to the wifi/internet (settings > wifi)
If your back up continually fails, you might try turning off back up on your mobile device (settings > iCloud > storage & backup) and then deleting the backup file from iCloud by swiping the backup file on the mobile device (settings > iCloud > storage & backup > manage…) and then turning back up on again.
If this doesn't help, try turning off some items for back up in a pattern to try to establish if your problem is being caused by specific data on your device.
Being able to back up to the cloud can be very useful, especially if you don't have access to a computer or have infrequent access to one, however unless you specifically need to use iCloud for back up, you will find backing up to iTunes significantly more convenient and possibly more reliable.
More about iCloud v iTunes Back Up

A lady at Best Buy erased everything off my iphone 3gs, now when i try to download facebook app it said it requires ios 4.3. I have hooked it up to itunes and everything but nobody knows how to get the ios 4.3 on this phone. HELP someone plz

I need help on how to download the ios 4.3. to my iphone 3gs. My mom was using it and everythig was fine but when she upgraded the lady erased everything so it would be like new and now when i try to download a app like facebook it says it requires ios 4.3. and i have asked people at phone places and i have hooked it up to itunes and still havent been able to..when i go to settings then general it doesnt show up any software updates, that whole part is erased. someon eplease help me!\

What version of iOS are you running? I'm going to bet that you do NOT have a 3Gs. You have a 3G. The highest version of iOS that can run is 4.2.1.
If you did not save a copy of the older facebook at that could run on 4.2.1 on your computer that you can sync back, then you're out of luck. The newest version (and the only one available in the app store) will not run on 4.2.1.
You will have to resort to using the mobile web page in Safari or find a 3rd party app that will run on your phone.

Had 3G, moved to 3GS. Backed up 3G and restored 3GS from backup with no problem. When I want to add songs, I get itunes message that the new iphone is synced to another computer and now wants to erase everything. How can I add music?

Had 3G, moved to 3GS. Backed up 3G and restored 3GS from backup with no problem on a Dell computer. But now when I want to add songs, I get itunes message of death that the new iphone is synced to another computer and now wants to erase everything. How can I add music without erasing everything on my new iphone?

Yes, I was aware of this but the phrase "Any items imported from audio CDs or acquired from other sources will not copy from your device to the iTunes library." is what worries me. Will this eliminate my Notes, Calendar Events, etc or will it apply mostly just to the music?

My computer shut down and I had to erase everything. Now I only have my music from my CDs on my iPod. And no longer in iTunes as before. How do I save all the music on the computer? will new music from iTunes erase the old?

my computer shut down and with help from Appel it turned out that I had to erase everything . Now I only have my music from my CDs on my iPod. And no longer in iTunes as before. I do not have backup :-(
How do I save all the musicfrom the iPod on the computer?And if I buy new music from iTunes will it erase the music allready on the iPod ?
iTunes no longer recognise my iPod.
I hope someone can help!
Best Maria

See Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
tt2

I erased everything on my iphone and lost all my contacts pictures and everything how do i get all that back from my itunes account??

I erased everything on my iphone and lost all my contacts pictures and everything else how do i get the contacts and pictures back from my itunes account?? ive tried restore its like it gave me a whole new iphone thing.

If you plug in the iPhone to your computer, any contacts ect that you synced with your computer with sync back with the iPhone when it is selected in the iTunes menu under info. Anything that was added without syncing was lost, I'm sorry. A good future solution is to get iOS 5 when it comes out this fall, so you don't need to manually sync contacts, its automatic!
Best Regards
Mark

How to erase everything ?

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