I bought a used macbook, how to wipe it clean?

I bought a used Macbook form a friend, Early 2008. SHe has removed most of her data, but things remain. We'd like to wip it clean, but I'm not sure the process to take to do that.

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/24/mac-101-preparing-your-old-mac-for-sale-or-recycl ing/. This assumes that you recieved the mac with the 2 origional grey discs. (Steps your friend should have followed before selling it to you)

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Bought used Macbook, how do I clear it to make it MINE.

I bought a used macbook, how do I clear it and make it mine. It has snow leopard on it and I have disk for Snow Leopard cause I have a MacBook Pro.
I would like to erase everything and start new with it. It has a 80gb hard drive and I want to put only what I want on it.
Where can I get instructions on doing it? Also I would like to have a larger HD on it. Is it possible for me to replace the one it has? Also the battery is totaled and the machine has to be pluged in all the time. I am going to order another battery.
Any help I can get WOULD BE GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks
ALR1

Please note that a gray label installer for another model is machine specific. It may not work on this machine. Better to use the retail Snow Leopard DVD.
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.
Clean Install of Snow Leopard
Be sure to make a backup first because the following procedure will erase
the drive and everything on it.
     1. Boot the computer using the Snow Leopard Installer Disc or the Disc 1 that came
         with your computer. Insert the disc into the optical drive and restart the computer.
         After the chime press and hold down the "C" key. Release the key when you see
         a small spinning gear appear below the dark gray Apple logo.
     2. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue
         button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
         After DU loads select the hard drive entry from the left side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive
         size.) Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window. Set the number of
         partitions to one (1) from the Partitions drop down menu, click on Options button
         and select GUID, click on OK, then set the format type to MacOS Extended
         (Journaled, if supported), then click on the Apply button.
     3. When the formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed
         with the OS X installation and follow the directions included with the installer.
     4. When the installation has completed your computer will Restart into the Setup
         Assistant. Be sure you configure your initial admin account with the exact same
         username and password that you used on your old drive. After you finish Setup
         Assistant will complete the installation after which you will be running a fresh
         install of OS X. You can now begin the update process by opening Software
         Update and installing all recommended updates to bring your installation current.
Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

I bought a used macbook air, with reinstalled the OS without iMovie. How can I get iMovie on App free of charge as a default in macbook air ?

I bought a used macbook air, with reinstalled the OS without iMovie. How can I get iMovie on App free of charge as a default in macbook air ?

Unfortunately, as recommended by the lady from CA, as long as the Mac is still associated with the Apple ID of the original owner, you can't even buy those iLife apps with that Mac. You will always get the alert to download them with the original owner's Apple ID.
As suggested by the chavo from España, you need the original owner to contact Apple Care* and request that the OS and the iLife apps be disassociated from his Apple ID. Then you should be free to OS X Recovery to resinstall the most recent version of OS X that shipped with the Mac and install the iLife apps. Afterward, before using any of the iLife apps you need to open the Mac App Store (MAS) to the Purchases pane and Accept these apps into your MAS account's Apple ID. If you use any of the iLife apps before you have accepted them into your account, as per the app's Terms of Use, they all become one-trick-ponies that can not be downloaded onto another Mac or updated.
OS X Recovery -
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718
*If you bought the Mac from a 2nd hand shop and don't have access to the original owner, you may need to provide Apple a purchase receipt to offer proof of sale.

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 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.

Bought used Macbook, how to update iPhoto?

All,
I bought a used Macbook about a year ago and have loaded my entire photo library onto it. When in the appstore, i noticed iPhoto had updates available, and when i go to update it, it's trying to use the old owners Apple ID - and the user id is greyed out so I cannot override it. This is the only app i've ever had an issue with updating. Anyone have any ideas?

i would backup microsoft office then i would take the restore cds and completely restore the computer to its original state
goodluck
alex

Used Macbook Pro - Remote Wipe Concerns

Hi there
Last week I bought a used Macbook Pro running Yosemite 10.10.1
I have been reading that it is entirely possible for the previous owner to track & remote wipe the Mac if they so desire?!
I have reset the NVRAM a couple of times via the keyboard method - and then in terminal I ran: nvram -p | grep fmm
The result was:
fmm-computer-name D%e%80%99s Macbook Pro
Ds-MacBook-Pro:~ d$
What would be the procedure to erase and restore the computer - and ensure there is no possibility of the previous owner having access to the computer via iCloud / FMM?
Thanks!

Thanks
I've read that just reinstalling the computer in this way does not stop a previous owner from gaining access to and remote wiping the computer... But then I've read quite a few differing opinions on how to go about the problem - without it appears a consensus
Thanks again

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.

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.

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 have bought a used macbook, to bad i do not have the admin password. is there any way to bypass this issue with out the Mac OS X disk? (without loosing my obtained files?)

i have bought a used macbook, to bad i do not have the admin password. is there any way to bypass this issue with out the Mac OS X disk? (without loosing my obtained files?) I NEED HELP BADLY PLEASE....

What version of the Mac OS X are you running. Go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac and post the version.

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've bought an used macbook pro and want to change the ownership!

Basically i've purchased on ebay a pre-owned macbook pro that hasn't come with the original OS discs and I don't know how to change the ownership!
I've only have the ebay articule of the auction that I won and my credit card resume where I paid for the item that proofs my ownership on the macbook but nothing else!!
I just want to state somehow legally that this macbook is now mine in case i need apple care assistance or anything else (legal matters).
thanks on advance to the whole community!

pre-owned macbook pro that hasn't come with the original OS discs
Which OS was originally pre-installed? You need this information, in order to receive the proper instructions on how to wipe it clean.
Macs that came with the OS'es 10.6.8 & earlier are not suppose to be sold w/o the DVDs that originally came w/them per Apple's license agreement. If this is the case w/you, then you purchased a glorified door stop. The system DVDs have troubleshooting tools on them and they are machine specific.
You can get replacement System Install & Restore CD/DVDs from Apple's Customer Support - in the US, (800) 767-2775 - for a nominal S&H fee. You'll need to have the model and/or serial number of your Mac available.
If you're not in the US, you may need to go through the regional Apple Store that serves your location to find the contact number. Here's a list of links to all of those - http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/intlstoreroutingpage.html Another resource: International Support Phone #s.

HT1349 I bought a used ipad how do I register the serial number in my name

I bought a used ipad how do I register the serial number in my name ???

http://www.ehow.com/how_6427314_register-apple-ipad.html
 Cheers, Tom

I bought a used macbook, how to wipe it clean?

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