I bought a refurbished iMac and can't update iMovie or iPhoto

When I try to update the using the Mac App store, it won't let me update these two programs because they are still linked to the original owner's Apple ID.

As mentioned, you will need to completely erase the disk and reinstall the OS. If the computer came with Lion or later originally, then use internet recovery (Command + Option + R keys while restarting or booting up), and use Disk Utility to wipe the drive. It will then reinstall the original system automatically. You should do this because the OS license is also tied to the original owner so you will not be able to do a regular reinstall - but internet recovery should work as it does not require or tie into the Apple ID. If that was Lion, you will then need to upgrade the OS to get back to where you want to be - but, it will now be tied to your Apple ID.
As for any apps obtained at the app store (and that includes iMovie and iPhoto) - the license is not transferable. Once accepted by the original owner/purchaser, they are forever tied to that Apple ID. You will need to purchase your own license.

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I've bought a secondhand iMac and can't install iLife

I've bought a secondhand iMac. Since the previous owner's AppleID is related to this iMac, I reinstalled the iMac with the help of Apple supportdesk. Now everything should be clean and I want to install iLife with my AppleID, but I get an error trying to do so. I click on accept and fill in my AppleID en password, but it says that the app is allready assigned to an other AppleID and therefor I have to buy iLife. And even if I should want to buy the software (which I don't want to, because it is part of this Lion-version), I can't buy it.
So my question is, does someone knows how to attach my AppleID to this iMac and all of it's software/App store?
I've also talked with AppleSupport and raised a ticket. And in the reply via mail there was no solution other than go to this community.
Thanks in advance!

ThunderLizard wrote:
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately I don't have the installation disk, he said he bought it without any.
I've done a clean install of Lion with my own AppleID, so why is the AppleID of the previous owner still in here?
I've tried to purchase iLife, but that is also not possible. I keep on getting into a circle...
If you didn't erase the drive before reinstalling, that's probably why the previous owner's Apple ID is still being shown. When dealing with second-hand equipment, it's almost always a good idea to erase the drive (I even prefer to do a "zero all data" as a precaution and test of the drive) and then reinstall everything. That ensures both that any software you install you have a license for and that no malicious software could possible remain.
What does the Mac App Store say when you try to repurchase iLife?
Regards.

Can't update iMovie or iPhoto, says that I need to use a different apple ID

I got my iMac quite a few months ago, and ever since then my iMovie and iPhoto has refused to update, now it even won't let me download my "iBooks Author" app. My iMac was bought used, but an employee at the apple store gave it a new "brain" after that and also made the iMac have the same features as the iMac one bigger in size. The specific alert that comes up when I try to update iMovie and iPhoto is: "This update is not available for this Apple ID either because it was bought by a different user or the item was refunded or cancelled". I have talked to the friend/employee about this problem and the only way he could think of was to get a hold of apple and allow them to access my computer remotely to try and fix it. BUT- I really don't want strangers going onto my computer to be honest. So I was wondering, is there another way I could fix this myself? I have tried to use 2 of my apple IDs to update it but neither work. And it would be really good if I could update soon because ever since I got the new mavericks update it isn't letting me use iPhoto 'till I update it again, because apparently this version doesn't support the old iPhoto. I really need to update so I can download photos onto my computer again!!! Hopefully all my photos are not gone, I have never got to back them up yet! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!

You can not login into iTunes or the App Store using VPP credentials. You must purchase all apps/book/etc. from the VPP website. Then you can redeem the codes thru itunes/app store or import the codes thru apple configurator. Here is the url for the VPP website: https://volume.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/login?cc=us
(It will not affect any of the apps you already have but the id can only be used for VPP.)
Cheers,
Alec

I bought FaceTime 1.0 and can't update to 1.0.1

Howdy,
When I click on Updates on the App Store application toolbar it says there are no updates available. However, if I click on the Purchases it shows an update available for FaceTime. However when I click on that update button I get a weird message:
You have updates available for other accounts
Sign in to (null) to update applications for that account.
and I have no idea what that means.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Good Luck,
herbs2

Did you disable spotlight? If so, re-enable it. I had a similar issue and it worked for me.
http://www.mikesel.info/disable-spotlight/

I have my iphoto with a different apple id that I no longer use and can't update or open iphoto what should I do?

My iphoto doesn't allow me to open it because it needs an update but its under a different apple id that i no longer use what can I do?

Use the old Apple ID - log into th eApp store using it
Other wise contact App store support - link is on the right of the App store window
LN

Help! New to Mac and can't get imovie to work

hi
i just bought a refurbished iMac and I'm trying to make/edit dvd's from my sony dcr-dvd203 camcorder. Since it says it doesn't support the camera I've tried burning the mini-dvd onto a regular dvd. but how do i import and save the contents of the disk drive so i can work on it?

When i put the disc in the drive it plays on the DVD player but doesn't comeup on iMovie.
Sounds like it is working properly. iMovie is not designed to to edit MPEG-2 content. Even if the DVD where in a camcorder and properly recognized, iMovie would have to demultiplex the AC3 content, convert it to AIFF and store it in a generic MOV file container. Also, since only about 6.67% of the video frames on the DVD are editable, the other 93.33$ would have to be converted to intra-frames before it could be merged with the audio. Even then, since audio and video of your original file was synchronized with each other spatially, offsets have to be generated to minimize drifting between the two tracks in a temporally synchronized MOV file container.
Am not trying to "snow" you here with technical matters but just indicate some of the problems facing users of multiplexed MPEG-2 (HDD/DVD) content camcorders. Some work well with iMovie '08 while others may have problems with a particular work flow or simply don't work at all. In all cases, however, you the user can opt to do what iMovie '08 may not be able to do on its own -- manually convert the data to a suitable format which iMovie '08 can handle.
As previously indicated, the MPEG-2 codec was developed as a distribution and delivery compression format -- not an editing format. It is well suited for delivery and viewing by DVD and Satellite because it condenses the data for compact storage or transmission via relatively narrow bandwidth. Essentially what you have to do is de-compress the data to a an edit compatible data format which is usually stored in files of much greater size. This means disregarding the original purpose for which the camcorder manufacturer specifically chose this particular storage medium.
What I recommend is that new users simply download the free iSquint application. (This is the "smaller brother" application of Visual Hub.) Since it is free, does not require any special codecs, and is very simple to use, it make a good starting place for this type of conversion. Basically, if you can get your VOB or other "muxed" MPEG-2 content file to your hard drive, you should be able to convert it for use in iMovie '08. Even in its default opening mode, if you drop your "muxed" file to the work area, it will quickly create a 320x240 MPEG4/AAC which can be opened in iMovie '08. Using the "Optimize for TV" option will create a 640x480 standard VGA display file with somewhat better quality. Increasing the video data rate increase the video quality even more. (Actually, you are not really increasing the quality here, but rather simply preventing the unnecessary loss of video quality.) In any case, switching to H.264 compression format could possible improve quality even more since this compression format is 2.0-2.5 times as efficient as MPEG-4 used above but increases the amount of time required for the re-compression process.
Thus, the paragraph above should allow the novice user to determine if his or her file can be easily made iMovie '08 "edit" compatible, as well as, explore some of the settings and their effects on the conversion process. Since the application is, as already stated, free, standalone, and easy to use, it allows the new user to evaluate the basic conversion process with only a small investment in terms of time. It also allows them to determine if they need or desire to invest money in more advanced programs allowing a wider variety of output formats, additional features, and the possible potential for even higher quality editing. This recommendation merely offers the interested user an opportunity to gain the necessary experience upon which to base a "more informed" decision regarding where to go/what to do next.

I just bought a new IMAC and i want to install the Office Mac 2011, but it doesn´t have a CD unit. How can I do it?

I just bought a new IMAC and I want to install the Office Mac 2011, but it doesn´t have a CD unit. How can I do it?

Howard has the easiest answer. Or at least, cheapest, since you don't need to purchase an external CD/DVD drive.
The "demo" software from Microsoft's site is exactly the same as what's on the DVD. Install that and activate it with the key in your software box.
From Microsoft's site:
How do I install Office for Mac 2011 if my Mac doesn't have a DVD drive?
There are two options for installing Office for Mac if your Mac doesn't have a DVD drive.
Option 1: Convert your Office for Mac 2011 trial. To convert a trial version, you must have a valid product key. The product key will convert your trial into a fully licensed version of Office for Mac.
1. Locate the 25-character product key in your product package or confirmation email.
2. Open any Office for Mac application, like Word, PowerPoint, or Excel.
3. On the first screen of the Microsoft Office Setup Assistant, click Enter your Product Key.
4. Enter your product key and complete the installation instructions.
Option 2: If you have not previously installed the trial version, you can download Office for Mac from the Office for Mac website. To download, install, and activate the software you must have a valid Office 2011 product key.
1. Locate your 25-character product key found in your product package or confirmation email.
2. Go to www.officeformac.com/download
3. Click Get Started to start the download process.
4. When prompted, enter your 25-character product key and select your product language.
5. When prompted, sign in with your Windows Live ID or sign up and create a new Windows Live ID account.
6. After you enter your Windows Live ID, you will see a link to download the software. (You will also receive a confirmation email with a link to your My Account page if you prefer to wait and download your software at a later time.)
7. Click Download Now to start the download.
8. Save the file to your desktop. Do not change the file name.
9. When the download is complete, double-click the .dmg file icon on your desktop. This opens the Installer application in Mac OS X.
10. Follow the instructions in the installer screens to complete your installation.

Just bought a new iMac and it is telling me it will take 27 hours to transfer documents from the old one!! Is this normal? Can I speed this up some how??

I just bought a new iMac and it says it will take 27 hours to transfer documents from the old mac! Is this normal? Can I speed this up??

If you are transferring with Wi-Fi or Ethernet and you have to transfer a lot of files, it's normal. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are the slowest methods to transfer files.
Instead, you can check if your old Mac has got a FireWire 800 port. If so, you can get a Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter and a FireWire cable, so the transfer will be done by FireWire, making the migration faster.
If you don't want to spend money, continue the migration. Another thing you can do is to get an external drive, make a Time Machine backup of your old Mac and use the backup to transfer your files to the new Mac. Read > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4889?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

I bought Lightroom 3 or 4, can't remember which, as an online download. I then upgraded to 5 with a CD. I registered the upgrade on my Adobe account and that's where the serial number is. I just bought a new iMac and am trying to install Lightroom. The sy

I bought Lightroom 3 or 4, can't remember which, as an online download. I then upgraded to 5 with a CD. I registered the upgrade on my Adobe account and that's where the serial number is. I just bought a new iMac and am trying to install Lightroom. The system is asking for my original serial number which I don't have. The point is. If I have the upgrade registered with my Adobe account, shouldn't that be proof that an earlier version was on my computer??? I'm really stuck. Need some advice! Thanks
Linda

Hi John,
Thanks for your response, but if you read my first mail, it's the original serial number that I don't have. I bought the original LR as download and have misplaced the serial number. Is there any way to find it???
Linda

I just bought a new iMac and am having troubles downloading creative cloud installer. Its coming up with error 214 - I can't find any solutions for this. Can anyone help me? Im on mac OS 10.9.4

I just bought a new iMac and am having troubles downloading creative cloud installer. Its coming up with error 214 - I can't find any solutions for this. Can anyone help me? Im on mac OS 10.9.4

Meg81 error 214 indicates a download data validation error. This means that the update you downloaded became corrupted likely during the download process. I would recommend utilizing the suggestions listed in Error downloading Creative Cloud applications - http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/error-downloading-cc-apps.html to attempt to improve the stability of your Internet connection.
You can also find information on how to review your download logs which may provide additional information regarding the failure of the download.

I just bought a new iMac and am new to the desktop Mac. I read you can get a free upgrade to Mountain Lion if you bought your computer after June 11,2012. Do I have to do something before Mountain Lion is released? If so what?

I just bought a new iMac and I am new to the Desktop Mac. I read you can get a free upgrade to Mountain Lion if you bought your computer after June 11, 2012. Do I have to do something before Mountain Lion is released? If so What? Thanks

Just check in with this link when ML is released for instructions on how to claim your upgrade.
http://www.apple.com/osx/uptodate/

I just bought a new iMac and now I am trying to use it as a screen for my Macbook pro, but it don't have a Mini DisplayPort the new model only have Thunderbolt which my Macbook don't have. Is there any way to connect this two mac's anyway??

I just bought a new iMac and now I amtrying to use it as a screen for my Macbook pro, but it don’t have a MiniDisplayPort the new model only have Thunderbolt which my Macbook don’t have. Isthere any way to connect this two mac’s anyway??

Screen sharing setup in 10.5, 10.6 are described by the links by operating system. 10.7 is fairly similar to 10.6.
And if both Macs have Firewire, you can setup a Firewire over IP network for fast communication between machines. Note if you have two different Firewire ports a 6 pin to 9 pin Firewire cable does exist. There are no Firewire to USB cables.

I just bought a new iMAC and cannot print with my old HPO Officejet G85 all in one printer. How do I get the printer working.

I just bought a new iMac and cannot get my old HP Officejet G85 printer to work. What can I do to get it to print from the computer?
JC

The list of supported printers is below. Yours isn't on it.
OS X: Printer and scanner software available for download

I bought a new iMac and am giving my old iMac to my brother. I do not have my installation disk. How do I erase all my information?

I recently bought a new iMac and am giving my old iMac to my brother. I read up on how to erase my information before handing it over to my brother but they process included having my installation disk. I do not have that disk. I need to erase my information and upgrade the computer.

"Tiger Tiger burning bright ..." (sorry for the poetic diversion ...)
You can call Apple Customer Support, give them the serial number of the unit and pay $16 per disk to get new copies. But they may not re-burn Tiger anymore.
If that is the case, you have to consider buying Tiger disks from an online store, or move up in the cat family.
Leopard disks only require PPC processors, and run $180 or so. Apple *may* have some Leopard in stock if you call them. Else you go online.
If the sysem has Intel processor, you can jump up to Snow Leopard, which is $29 in the Apple Online Store.
AppleMenu > About This Mac ... what is the memory amount and processor type?

I have just bought a new Imac and it will not load my copy of FCE 3.5 as it says "PowerPC applications are no longer supported". So how do I get to use the version of FCE I am used to and have paid for ?

I have just bought a new Imac and it will not load my copy of FCE 3.5 as it says "PowerPC applications are no longer supported". So how do I get to use the version of FCE I am used to and have paid for ?

I do not have any experience with Final Cut, but if you have existing projects that you MUST access; then you are in need of a solution on your new iMac in Mountain Lion!
Unfortunately you got caught up in the minor miracle of Rosetta. Originally licensed by Apple when it migrated from the PowerPC CPU platform that it had used from the mid-1990's until the Intel CPU platform in 2006, Rosetta allowed Mac users to continue to use their library of PPC software transparently in emulation.
However, Apple's license to continue to use this technology expired with new releases of OS X commencing with Lion (and now Mountain Lion). While educational efforts have been made over the last 6 years, the fact is that Rosetta was SO successful that many users were caught unaware UNTIL they upgraded to Lion or Mountain Lion.
Workarounds:
1. Purchase a used Mac that will run Snow Leopard (with the optional Rosetta installed) and continue to run FCE on that Mac (you can actually use Screen Sharing with a "headless" used Snow Leopard Mac Mini and use the 27" screen from your iMac to view and work FCE in the Mac Mini environment);
2. Upgrade to an Intel compatible version of FCE and hope it converts your existing projects to its newer format correctly. There is much debate that the newer version of Final Cut are eliminating many needed features; for example Final Cut Pro X vs. Final Cut Pro 6 -- many users are staying with version 6;
3. Install Snow Leopard (with Rosetta) into Parallels and then install FCE in the Snow Leopard environment:
[click on image to enlarge]
Full Snow Leopard installation instructions here:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1365439
NOTE: STEP ONE of the instructions must currently be completed on a Snow Leopard or Lion Mac and the resulting modified Snow Leopard.cdr install file can then be moved over to your Mountain Lion Mac for completion of the remaining steps.
NOTE 2: Computer games with complex, 3D or fast motion graphics make not work well or at all in virtualization.

I bought a refurbished iMac and can't update iMovie or iPhoto

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