Reinstalling Lion on a Used MacBook Pro

My buddy just bought a used MacBook Pro, and was trying to reinstall OS X Lion on to it. He is able to choose the destination for the install, hit continue and gets the error message "This Apple ID has not yet been used with the iTunes store. Please Review your account information.". When he clicks on the Review button at the bottom of the screen, nothing happens.
Any suggestions?

If Lion was originally purchased at the app store, it is forever tied to that person's Apple ID - which means your buddy will not be able to reinstall. The seller was supposed to erase Lion and reinstall the original OS; both Lion and Mountain Lion licenses are not transferable if purchased at the app store. If he can contact the seller, that would be best; second choice: call Apple and ask for replacement disks (presumably Snow Leopard), boot from that disk, erase drive and reinstall. Then he can buy Lion.

Similar Messages

Installing Lion on a Used MacBook Pro

I recently purchased a used MacBook Pro that claimed to have Lion purchased for it, but when I try to install it, my Apple ID doesn't work because it did not purchase it. Is there any pther way to install it?

It sounds like the prior owner of the MacBook Pro you purchased did not set it back to factory OS before selling it.
Your best option is to boot from the install disks that came with the system (assuming the seller included these), use Disk Utilities to erase the Lion volume then install your previous OS. Assuming the previous OS is Snow Leopard, you would then need to update it to 10.6.8. After that, you can login to the Mac App Store and purchase Lion. Then your Apple ID will work all the time.
Backup your system prior to doing the above.

How do I Reinstall Mountain Lion on a used Macbook Pro?

So I just recently purchased a 2011 Macbook Pro off of Craigslist. A friend picked it up for me, installed an extra copy of Windows 8 he had for me under my name, and made sure the OSX Mountain Lion side worked fine. Somehow, after the first time I restarted OSX it would no longer boot up, but Windows worked fine. So I booted up in the recovery partition, reformatted the OSX partition, and attempted to install Mountain Lion.
The problem is that I don't have it listed under my Apple I.D. as purchased, which makes sense because the last Macbook I bought came with Leopard. I tried to buy it on the Windows side through iTunes, but I'm not able. So my question is can I just buy Mountain Lion on someone else's Mac through the App store under my I.D., and will I then be able to reinstall Mountain Lion through the recovery partition?
Or will I have to resort to resetting my Macbook Pro to factory defaults, losing the copy of Windows 8 I was given, and reverting back to the original OS, which I'm guessing is Lion?

Well, you need to log in to the App Store on a Mac, using your AppleID, and purchase Mountain Lion. Then, on the konked out Mac's Recovery Partition you'll be able to sign in with the same AppleID and download the ML installer you are now eligible to use.

I'm trying to reinstall Mavericks on used Macbook Pro. When I log in to my Apple ID, it says it was not the same ID used to purchase Mountain Lion. I need to change user/admin as a lot of the folders and apps are in Chinese!

I'm trying to reinstall Mavericks on used Macbook Pro. When I log in to my Apple ID, it says it was not the same ID used to purchase Mountain Lion. I need to change user/admin as a lot of the folders and apps are in Chinese!

The first thing you should do with a second-hand 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 (OS X 10.6) 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 has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. I suggest you 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. If you don't have the media, 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.
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.
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, Apple 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 toauthorize it under your ID. In that case, contact iTunes Support.

I recently purchased used macbook pro 15" but unfortunately i erase the harddisk and did not have back up but when i try to reinstall the mac os x lion it ask me the id password,how i can purchse the mac os x lion.

i recently purchased used macbook pro 15" but unfortunately i erase the harddisk and did not have back up but when i try to reinstall the mac os x lion it ask me the id password,how i can purchse the mac os x lion.
where from i can buy the mac os x lion because i am using windows base system when i try to buy from apple web side it show in app store only not in itunes

Have you tried booting from the Recovery HD to reinstall Lion?
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.
You will need the Apple ID and password used to purchase Lion. If you have not purchased Lion, then you will need to purchase the Snow Leopard DVD and install Snow Leopard then update it to 10.6.8 to access the App Store where you can purchase and download Lion under your own Apple ID. Or you can purchase the Apple USB Lion installer flash drive at any local Apple retailer or the Online Store.

HT1338 Purchased a used macbook pro with Mountain Lion. My old Mac runs Snow Leopard is backed up to Time machine. How do I register the operating system to me and how do I use Time Machine to move my files to the new used computer?

Purchased a used macbook pro with Mountain Lion. My old Mac runs Snow Leopard is backed up to Time machine. How do I register the operating system to me and how do I use Time Machine to move my files to the new used computer?

If you look at the User Tips tab, you will find a write up on just this subject:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4053
The subject of buying/selling a Mac is quite complicated. Here is a guide to the steps involved. It is from the Seller's point of view, but easily read the other way too:
SELLING A MAC A
Internet Recovery, and Transferability of OS & iLife Apps
Selling an Old Mac:
• When selling an old Mac, the only OS that is legally transferable is the one that came preinstalled when the Mac was new. Selling a Mac with an upgraded OS isn't doing the new owner any favors. Attempting to do so will only result in headaches since the upgraded OS can't be registered by the new owner. If a clean install becomes necessary, they won't be able to do so and will be forced to install the original OS via Internet Recovery. Best to simply erase the drive and revert back to the original OS prior to selling any Mac.
• Additionally, upgrading the OS on a Mac you intend to sell means that you are leaving personally identifiable information on the Mac since the only way to upgrade the OS involves using your own AppleID to download the upgrade from the App Store. So there will be traces of your info and user account left behind. Again, best to erase the drive and revert to the original OS via Internet Recovery.
Internet Recovery:
• In the event that the OS has been upgraded to a newer version (i.e. Lion to Mountain Lion), Internet Recovery will offer the version of the OS that originally came with the Mac. So while booting to the Recovery Disk will show Mountain Lion as available for reinstall since that is the current version running, Internet Recovery, on the other hand, will only show Lion available since that was the OS shipped with that particular Mac.
• Though the Mac came with a particular version of Mac OS X, it appears that, when Internet Recovery is invoked, the most recent update of that version may be applied. (i.e. if the Mac originally came with 10.7.3, Internet Recovery may install a more recent update like 10.7.5)
iLife Apps:
• When the App Store is launched for the first time it will report that the iLife apps are available for the user to Accept under the Purchases section. The user will be required to enter their AppleID during the Acceptance process. From that point on the iLife apps will be tied to the AppleID used to Accept them. The user will be allowed to download the apps to other Macs they own if they wish using the same AppleID used to Accept them.
• Once Accepted on the new Mac, the iLife apps can not be transferred to any future owner when the Mac is sold. Attempting to use an AppleID after the apps have already been accepted using a different AppleID will result in the App Store reporting "These apps were already assigned to another Apple ID".
• It appears, however, that the iLife Apps do not automatically go to the first owner of the Mac. It's quite possible that the original owner, either by choice or neglect, never Accepted the iLife apps in the App Store. As a result, a future owner of the Mac may be able to successfully Accept the apps and retain them for themselves using their own AppleID. Bottom Line: Whoever Accepts the iLife apps first gets to keep them.
SELLING A MAC B
Follow these instructions step by step to prepare a Mac for sale:
Step One - Back up your data:
A. If you have any Virtual PCs shut them down. They cannot be in their "fast saved" state. They must be shut down from inside Windows.
B. Clone to an external drive using using Carbon Copy Cloner.
1. Open Carbon Copy Cloner.
2. Select the Source volume from the Select a source drop down menu on the left side.
3. Select the Destination volume from the Select a destination drop down menu on the right
side.
4. Click on the Clone button. If you are prompted about creating a clone of the Recovery HD be
sure to opt for that.
Destination means a freshly erased external backup drive. Source means the internal
startup drive.
Step Two - Prepare the machine for the new buyer:
1. De-authorize the computer in iTunes! De-authorize both iTunes and Audible accounts.
2, Remove any Open Firmware passwords or Firmware passwords.
3. Turn the brightness full up and volume nearly so.
4. Turn off File Vault, if enabled.
5. Disable iCloud, if enabled: See.What to do with iCloud before selling your computer
Step Three - Install a fresh OS:
A. Snow Leopard and earlier versions of OS X
1. Insert the original OS X install CD/DVD that came with your computer.
2. Restart the computer while holding down the C key to boot from the CD/DVD.
3. Select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu; repartition and reformat the internal hard drive.
Optionally, click on the Security button and set the Zero Data option to one-pass.
4. Install OS X.
5. Upon completion DO NOT restart the computer.
6. Shutdown the computer.
B. Lion and Mountain Lion (if pre-installed on the computer at purchase*)
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because
it is three times faster than wireless.
1. Restart the computer while holding down the COMMAND and R keys until the Mac OS X
Utilities window appears.
2. Select Disk Utility from the Mac OS X Utilities window and click on the Continue button.
3. 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.
4. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Optionally, click on the Security button
and set the Zero Data option to one-pass.
5. Click on the Erase button and wait until the process has completed.
6. Quit DU and return to the Mac OS X Utilities window.
7. Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Install button.
8. Upon completion shutdown the computer.
*If your computer came with Lion or Mountain Lion pre-installed then you are entitled to transfer your license once. If you purchased Lion or Mountain Lion from the App Store then you cannot transfer your license to another party. In the case of the latter you should install the original version of OS X that came with your computer. You need to repartition the hard drive as well as reformat it; this will assure that the Recovery HD partition is removed. See Step Three above. You may verify these requirements by reviewing your OS X Software License.

Have HP 4580 all in one and it worked excellent before Lion. Could print using Windows on desktop and using Macbook Pro.

Before upgrading to Lion on my MacBook Pro I could print on the HP C4580 All in One using HP Desktop with Windows 7 and using MacBook Pro with no problems. I upgraded to Lion now can only print when I shut down and restart my MacBook. If using the desktop or the Microsoft Office on my MacBook it kicks the printer offline and I have to restart my laptop. I called Apple and they said they did not support 3rd party software. I had previously purchased the printer through Apple with a desktop. I installed the new driver from HP and removed it, reinstalled. Guess what, same problem. Can anyone tell me how to make lion work. Apple will not provide help. Have a iPad and with a small app for $7.00 it prints great. HELP

You must work for Apple. Contacted the vendor downloaded their app. Everytime I open Microsoft Office for Mac it kicks printer off line and if I print from a Windows computer (which printer works perfect) it kicks printer off line. If I restart Mac it will print the item in the printer. Don't care what Apple says, prior to loading Lion never had any problems. Sounds as if Apple programers goofed up and just don't want to admit it and correct their problem. Your comments did not solve any problems, asking for help not Apple support.

OSX Lion cannot be installed on used macbook pro

Dear all,
I inherited an old used macbook pro (2009 model) from a colleague. He cleaned it and it was ready to reinstall when I received it. I purchased a new OSX Lion set to install. As the macbook is a present for my daughters birthday, I purchased the software on het apple ID.
When installing (after entering the related apple ID) I get the following message:
This product is currently not available. Try again later.
Can I solve this without having to go to an Apple dealer. My girls birthday is this Friday, and I'd like to have the macbook ready before that date.
Thanks!

In order to install Lion (which all 2009 MBPs are capable of) you need to have Snow leopard (10.6.8) installed first. The simplest path is to order this disk from Apple:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
Then download the combo update:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399
Then the MBP will be ready for a Lion install.
Ciao.

How does one continue to use Mail on the early MacBook Pro, Model 1,1, that is not upgradable to Lion? I have been running iCloud on my iPhone (OS5) and iMac (Lion) along with the MacBook Pro (OS Version 10.6.8)

How does one continue to use Mail on the early MacBook Pro, Model 1,1, that is not upgradable to Lion? I have been running iCloud on my iPhone (OS5) and iMac (Lion) along with the MacBook Pro (OS Version 10.6.8) since November until now. Mail will no longer download on the MacBook Pro and keeps asking for my password.

Mail should still be usable with your machine - but you'll need to update the settings to conform to the requirements of your system. Check with your ISP (like ATT, etc.) for the settings that will work with your Mail. Once you've updated this, you should be able to email like before.
For example, my ISP required that I go to Mail Preferences/Accounts and make sure the details conform to your email settings.
I have no idea of what your ISP is or what the settings might be, but this is likely the source of the problem.

How can I take lion off of my MacBook Pro and go back to using Snow Leopard

How can I take lion off of my MacBook Pro because it has too much problems with the new operating system, I have talked to Apple support for both computers and still nothing happens I think they know that there's something wrong and they don't know how to fix it are there working on fixing it. So how can I put snow leopard Mac on my computer so that it works every time, there's a lot of good features in Lion but there's a lot of bad features and especially when it comes to turning on your computer and the memory that it has held so if one item is missing then it doesn't work and you have to reboot the computer to get it to work but I still like my Mac.

Take a look at this:
http://www.thesafemac.com/how-to-prepare-your-mac-for-sale/
Ciao.

Used MacBook Pro has upgraded Os

I bought a used MacBook Pro. The original owner upgraded the os from snow leopard to lion. He no longer has the original disks and the upgrade was a download install. What issues am I going to have with updates or upgrading the os with my apple ID and not his? What can I do to register everything to my apple ID?

The original owner should have reinstalled Snow Leopard before selling it to you. That's the legal thing to do. As Lion is no longer available from the App Store, you can't really register it using your Apple ID. You should have no trouble with system updates. However, if your MBP will run Mountain Lion, you should probably just go ahead and buy and install it using your Apple ID. That way you'll have a legitimate copy of the OS.
Clinton

Got used MacBook Pro with

I had got used macbook pro 2011 ... but system preferences is not working , I'd tried to reinstall the OS using the internet recovery but I got message that my id does not had os x lion purchased ...
how I can fix the system preferences "
how I can add this MacBook to my ID?
please need help !!!

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.
It's unsafe, and may be unlawful, to use a computer with software installed by a previous owner.
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.

Is mountain lion build 12C2034 for macbook pro 13 retina available?

is mountain lion build 12C2034 for macbook pro 13 retina available?

kurstelle wrote:
can i make a dmg file right after download? its really really long when using recovery and my ml from the regular macbook pro is not compatible with the retina and im not sure why it works well with other macs except for this one. thanks so much. having a headache now on how to make it work.
As you can only get OS X from Internet Recovery, you can't get the OS X Mountain Lion stored on the HDD and make a bootable volume with it. Also, you can't install the OS X version you have on your other Mac because the hardware of this MacBook Pro with Retina display isn't compatible with that OS X version.
In your case, reinstall OS X and see what happens. If you can't reinstall OS X, take the computer to an Apple Store because you can't do anything with that MacBook Pro now

I bought a used macbook pro with 10.9.5 but it didn't start up clean. There are a lot of programs etc. How do I know if it's ok to use?

I have a macbook pro that I want to give to my son for school. I just purchased a newer (used) macbook pro with more HD and memory to replace the one I use for work. I need to set up the new book and transfer all my stuff over, then clean the older one up for my Son. I'm concerned because the newer book I purchased on ebay. It didn't start up a if it were a clean machine. I turned it on and it is full of lots of programs and I'm worried the previous owners files and information are on the computer. They both have the OS X 10.9.5 (13F34) software.   I updated to the new iLife on the older one, the newer one has 09. I would appreciate the steps I should take. I have everything backed up on the older book through drop box and cloud, so I'm ready.   Also the seller told me the computer would have Mavericks already installed, but I don't see it.

Before buying a second-hand computer, you should have run Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test, whichever is applicable.
The first thing to do after buying the computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. You—not the original owner—must do that. Changes made by Apple over the years have made this seemingly straightforward task very complex.
How you go about 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.
It's unsafe, and may be unlawful, to use a computer with software installed by a previous owner.
1. If you don't own another Mac
a. 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.
b. 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 the 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.
c. 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.
d. Some 2010-2011 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 can't reinstall 10.6 even from the original media, and Internet Recovery will 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.
2. 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.
3. Partition and install OS X
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. An unusual problem may arise if all the following conditions apply:
          OS X 10.7 or later was installed by the previous owner
          The startup volume was encrypted with FileVault
          You're booted in Recovery mode (that is, not from a 10.6 installation disc)
In that case, you won't be able to unlock the volume or partition the drive without the FileVault password. Ask for guidance or see this discussion.
d. 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.
e. 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.
4. Other issues
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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 want to reinstall OS on my 2012 MacBook Pro. It shipped iwth 10.8, but now runs 10.9. Can I reinstall to 10.9, I do I have to reinstall 10.8 and upgrade again to 10.9?

I want to reinstall OS on my 2012 MacBook Pro. It shipped with 10.8, but now runs 10.9. Can I reinstall straight to 10.9, or do I have to reinstall 10.8 and upgrade again to 10.9?

Best to install 10.9 straight up. If you still have your OS 10.9 downloaded file you can use that, or you can go to the app store and download it again. It will be in your previous purchase history. Or you could even upgrade to 10.10. If you want to start from scratch you will need to boot from USB or DVD and initialise (erase) your internal HD. To do create a bootable USB thumb drive with OS 10.9 or 10.10 follow this guide
Create a bootable installer for OS X Mavericks or Yosemite - Apple Support
And heres a how to on installing a fresh copy of Yosemite (OS X 10.10)
http://osxdaily.com/2014/10/18/clean-install-os-x-yosemite/

Reinstalling Lion on a Used MacBook Pro

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