I wish to recycle a number of macs. What happens to the hard drive when sent to Simms? Do I need to dismount them?

Hard drives don't die then come back to life. Your drive never died. You just thought it did.
Obviously, if a hard drive isn't on and spinning its life is longer than when it is always on and spinning. If a hard drive in a laptop is idle it goes to sleep. That's normal because it prolongs battery life. Of course it hardly matters if the computer is running on AC power. The drive may still go to sleep but there's no impact on the battery.
If the computer is in use 24/7 then its useful life will be less than if it's in use only 12/7 or 8/7. This is both logical and obvious. But in the long run all computers or their hard drives fail. There is little you can do to prevent that. They are meant to be used. If your life is dependent on the computer being usable, then buy another one as a spare. Or at the very least buy a backup drive, keep the computer backed up, then you can worry less about drive failure.

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HT201250 I had files stored on a hard drive that were not on my Mac. I used the hard drive for my first Time Machine back up, but it was not enough hard drive space to finish. Now those stored files are gone. Is there any way I can recover them?

I had files stored on a hard drive that were not on my Mac. I used the hard drive for my first Time Machine back up, but it was not enough hard drive space to finish. Now those stored files are gone. Is there any way I can recover them? No, they were not part of previous Time Machine backups, and I have checked both the hard drive the documents were lost on and the new one that I now use for backups. Any suggestions would be helpful, as the lost files are old pictures that are gone forever. :[ Thanks!

1. Yes, if both drives are formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
2. Reformat the drives if needed, open the Time Machine pane of System Preferences, and remove the drive with the pictures from the list of items set to be excluded.
(110331)

If I have another iphone and restore with my Mac, what happen with the FindMyIphone if I have two iPhone's with the same backup?

If I have another iphone and restore with my Mac, what happen with the FindMyIphone if I have two iPhone's with the same backup or sync with the same computer?

If you have more than one device on the same Apple ID, Find My iPhone will let you choose the one to find.

Can anyone help with clearing space on my Mac Mini, it says the hard drive is full and runs slowly.

Please help, we got the Mac Mini from a family member so it may have his stuff on it but no longer required, we have only put a smal amount of data on it so don't believe we have over filled it. I backed up to a hard drive all photos etc as I thought it may be them filling it, now I cannot even scan a document to it. Is there any way to Defrag it as you can normally do to a windows system as well as either declutter it or restore the whole thing.
Best Regards
Smithy

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 previous 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.
1. 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 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 some MacBook Air models. For early MBA models, you may need a USB optical drive or Remote Disc. You should have received the media from the previous owner, but if you didn't, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To boot from an optical disc or a flash drive, 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, you don't need media. 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.
2. 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 create a bootable USB device and boot 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 boot 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.
Once booted in 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.
After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. You will need the Apple ID and password that you used to upgrade. 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.
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 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.
If the previous 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 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.

Hoe can I securely recycle iMac with blank screen - should I remove the hard drive, and anything else?

My iMac died after 8 years - blank screen, loud fan noise, no way to erase personal info. To recycle should I remove hard drive, and anything else?

Removing the hard drive should suffice. Use Google to find takeapart instruction, using you iMac's processor description in the search.
At eight years old, it is probably a G4 (the "desk lamp" style with an articulated display arm and white hemispherical base). So the search string would be "iMac G4 takeapart." If it turns out to be some other processor, simply substitute that processor (G3 or G5) for "G4."
The HD may not be bad, so you could keep it and connect to a newer Mac to retrieve files using this handy and inexpensive gadget:
Newer Technology Universal Drive Adapter - connects ATA/IDE/SATA to USB2 - 2.5", 3.5", 5.25" Drives

My Power Mac G5 Wont read the hard drive

Help guys... my Power mac G5 wont read the original hard drive and the one i put into it.
is there any way i can access the hard drives from my macbook pro and re install the operating systems on the drives?
i have the Leopad CD and firewire cables and stuff
Thanks a lot

Hello,
You cannot install to the G5 from the MacBook.
Is the Leopard Install Disc the Retail version, or the Grey Disc that came with another Mac ?

Mac doesn't detect the hard drive

Hello, my Powerbook doesn't detect the Hard Drive (tryied restarting, tryied Disk Utility from DVDs)... Yesterday and some days before I heard some clicking noises coming from the PB.
I'm still under Apple Care coverage, I think they'll remplace it for me (won't they?), but the most important thing: does anyone knows if the data on the hard drive can be restored??... And if Apple Care will try to restore it or it will just remplace the Hard Drive?... do I have any other option?
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7) 1.5Ghz 512MB 80GB Superdrive

Here's some answers. Everyone else here chime in if I'm wrong!
Apple Care will replace the drive (unless they determine you killed it by intentionally abusing the PB itself, very unlikely).
Apple Care will not transfer any data they find to a new drive, just replace it and very likely load a default Software Configuration.
Here are some options. In both cases, be READY to start copying data the INSTANT the drive is recognized. If it comes up at all...
- Restart the PB in Target Disk Mode by holding down the "T" key during the bootup process. If you can get the PB to load as a Target Disk, you can plug it into another Mac and copy off your files (or clone it if you want to get more advanced)
- Have a local shop remove the hard drive and replace it with a new one. Reload the default software yourself, then put the original malfunctioning drive into an external firewire/USB case to see if it's still salvageable.
Yeah, clicking noises from a hard drive are never good. I've had a couple drives go bad on me, and was lucky enough to have time to backup real quick - biting nails all the way. Let us know how you're doing with the repair,
Ed

I need to recycle my old G3-how do I clean the hard drive on a 9.2 system before recycling it.??

Any tips on how to get rid of all my data on hard drive before the recyler gets it?
My system is 9.2 its an old g3 mac.

I disagree with your choice of a solution.
1) The answer does not mention removing the platters that contain the data from the drive, so I guess you'll just smash the whole unit. I don't know how recyclers operate in detail but making a mess of the drive will likely make it more difficult (impossible?) for the recycler to isolate the components that are hazardous or valuable. I could give you a bag of food and you could pick out the canned items, but if I run over the bag with a car a couple of times you would likely just throw the whole lot in the trash.
2) Removing a drive and taking out the platters would take you just as long as booting it up, erasing it with write zeros in Drive Setup while you do something else.
3) Some people can actually make use of a non-pulverized old drive. There are still people around who run G3s and look for compatible drives, especially if they are free. I know our local waste dropoff place also has a pickup area where you can look for things you can use, including electronics. The last couple of G3s I wanted gone I just posted on Craigslist and I had several takers (as recently as 6 months ago).

Am using 2007 iMac running 10.4.11. Do not wish to upgrade now. Where can I find an external hard drive to work with it? Also need a printer?

I'm using a 20" iMac that I purchased in 2007. It's running OS 10.4.11, and still doing beautifully. But I've got to get serious about upgrading and I don't want to lose the material that's on it.   Purchased an external hard drive about two years ago, copied everything I wanted at that time on to it. When I tried using the h.d. a few days ago it was garbled. Now I see that inside the box it says that it requires OS 10.5+.   Anyone know if there's still a new hard drive out there that would work with 10.4.11?   Can't even find thumb drives to work with my system anymore.   Any ideas would be appreciated.

If I were you I would bite the bullet and upgrade to Snow Leopard. You will still be able to use AppleWorks by installing the Rosetta emulator included in Snow Leopard. And, it's a much better OS version than Tiger.
Upgrading to 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.
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 Mavericks 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 iCloud services; fees and
           terms apply.
See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps.

What happened to the purchase button when I'm in wish list?

I used to be able to just click a "purchase" button in wishlist and purchase everything in my wish list with one click. What happened to that button? Do I really have to click each item individually now?

For unknown reasons, it was eliminated in one of the 11.x releases. You can still buy one item at a time.

Moving personal domain to .mac - what happens to the email accounts?

I have had my own domain for many years, hosted at an ISP. I wouldn't mind moving it to .mac. But what happens to my email addresses?
Right now I have several email addresses like this: '[email protected]'. It is actually protected by a commercial spam filter site - this filter site polls the host (personaldomain.com) for the email, filters it and then my email client polls the spam filter server.
Can I maintain this structure and the email addresses if I move the domain to .mac?
Or perhaps I should just use the forwarding option? I would like to save the monthly fee for the hosting ISP for personaldomain.com...
I searched all the help files - couldn't find an answer (sorry if I missed it).
Thanks,
Oliver
Message was edited by: oliverbogler

Thanks for the two replies - I had read those pieces, but as you say, they don't specifically address what happens to email addresses that were hosted elsewhere.
If I keep my current provider and just move the website (use domain forwarding) I know I can keep my emails intact as is. This means paying for both .Mac and the other ISP.
I am guessing if I move everything to .Mac I am going to have to move the email addresses to the IMAP service from .Mac, and that may create problems with my spam filter service...
Anyone else have any experience with this?
Thanks!
Oliver

My Mac Computer crashed. The Hard drive had to be replaced. I now want to sync my iPad and iPhone as I did in the past. Now with the new hard drive it said it will wipe my devices. Is there another way to do this?

Is there anyway to save all my songs and put them back onto iTunes from my iPad?

It has always been very basic to always maintain a backup copy of your computer for just such an occasion.
Use your backup copy of your computer to put everything on the new one.

When mac wakes from sleep, the hard drive wakes but the screen is black

It's a problem I've been having off and on for quite a while with my ~2010 MacBook Pro. Sporadically/randomly, when I wake my computer from sleep or turn it on, the status light turns on and the hard drive makes sounds like it's on, but the screen stays black. The only way to get it on again is to manually hold the power button to shut if off and start it up again. Sometimes, the same issue reoccurs when I restart it and I have to manually restart it 5 or 6 times until it finally turns on normally, or I just get tired and give up. I've had everything done at the genius bar, from getting a new hard drive to running diagnostic testing. Nothing works. Any suggestions??

Reset SMC. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Choose the method for:
"Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".

I had a brand new Mac book pro one month old and the hard drive died. Right before it died I was down loading pictures off a memory card and now they aren't on my memory card! They are wedding pictures I took for a friend and irreplaceable! Please help!!

I had a one month old Mac book pro and the hard drive fried! I was down loading a friends wedding pictures when it stopped working and started heating up. I plugged it in and turned it off as it was making a clicking noise. When I turned it back on the was a grey box with a question mark and nothing else. When I took my memory card out the pictures were gone. I took it back to best buy where I bought it and they said it was dead, needed a new hard drive and all my info is lost! Is there any way to get back those irreplaceable wedding pictures?

There are some data recovery programs (software). I would look into that for the images on the card. When files are deleted, the files are still there, just the headers are removed. That being said, a format of the card or new files written to the card can overwrite deleted files.
The physical hard drive could be thousands of dollars to forensically save, with no guarantee.

If I deleted a file on my Mac would Time Machine delete its copy on my external hard drive when backing up?

I just finished backing everything up onto my new 2T WD My Book Essential because my Macbook Pro is absolutely full of Photoshop files. I want to delete them from my Mac (since they're backed up) but I'm too scared Time Machine will delete them from my external hard drive.
Thanks in advance.

Move the images over to an external drive that is connected to your Mac by USB or FireWire.
Then....Time Machine will backup both your Mac..and..the hard drive automatically.
Can you elaborate on this?
I have a 128GB McAir (mid 2011 model) with a 2GB TC for backup. I need another external hard drive to save pictures and home HD videos. I wanted to partition the TC but learned that is not recommended. So now I’m looking to get two external hard drives to store priceless files and back it up.
Your comment makes me think I only need one external hard drive and use the 2GB TC as backup. A good option since 2GB is an overkill for a 128GB notebook.
Can you please share the steps? Plug in a HDD to McAir and run Time Machine? Is that it?
Thanks.

I wish to recycle a number of macs. What happens to the hard drive when sent to Simms? Do I need to dismount them?

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