Resetting a MacBookPro without OS Install Disc

I have a MacBook Pro that originally shipped with Snow Leopard. I have done the Lion upgrade, but have no media. I upgraded through download.
I am going to be selling the machine in a few weeks. The only software I need to preserve to sell with it is the Operating system and iWork. I have media for iWork but not the operating system. How do I wipe the drive except for the OS (or wipe it entirely and reinstall the OS) without media and be certain that none of my personal data or other software is compromised.
Thanks for you help

You will have to ring Apple Support, I believe, and they will send you the proper replacement disks for the computer for a small fee. You can't sell it legally with your copy of Lion installed.

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HT3986 Is there a way to install my drivers, without the install disc, or a way to get another install disc?

I have a 27 inch, 2011 Mac. Its running Mountain Lion X, and I want to install Windows 7 via boot camp. I understand without the install disc, my mouse and keyboard won't work (or maybe it's just keyboard, as I have a Cyborg mouse). Without the disc - is there a way to get the required drivers, or a way to get another disc?
Thanks!

There is no install disk for Mountain Lion, you download the Windows Support Software using Boot Camp Assistant (as you are creating the partition)
Backup your machine first, then Read This before you start.

Can I restore my iMac hard drive to factory settings without the install disc?

I have an older iMac running iOS X 10.5.8. with a 2GHZ processor. 1GB DDR SDRAM with a Power PC G5 chip
We want to restore the hard drive to original factory settings but don't have the OS X install disc. I have been searching online to find a disc, and can purchase one, but I want to know if I can do this without the install disc? We want to do this so I can give this computer to my nephew. I have already backed up all data.
Currently I have gotten as far as clicking on the "ERASE" tab in the disk utility, but the "Security Options" and "Erase" buttons are greyed out (cannot click on them). According to the Disk Utility help, the buttons are greyed out because I must start up using another disc, such as the Mac OS X install disc.
In addition, I DO have the Mac OS X install for my 13" MacBook Pro. Can I use this disc for the iMac?
Bottom line, I want to know if there is a work-around without having to purchase another start-up disk.
Thanks for your help.

We want to restore the hard drive to original factory settings but don't have the OS X install disc.
Why? Erase everything that isn't yours. Create a new id. Delete old id. Secure erase empty space on hd.
Once done, make a backup of the hd since the hd will fail eventually/soon.
Restore Tiger 10.4 & Leopard 10.5 DVDs may be available from Apple by calling 1(800) 275-2273. Have your serial number ready. Have your credit card ready too. There may be a small fee.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4720126?tstart=0 -- January 20,2013
https://discussions.apple.com/message/24588313#24588313 -- January 22,2014

How do I install my LG Super Multi BLADE Mac compatible external drive without the install disc?

I can't find my install disc! How do I install my LG Super Multi BLADE Mac compatible external drive without the install disc?

You don't have installer discs with that model. What do you need to do? USB and Thunderbolt external drives do not require any special software. If you need to partition and format them, then use Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.

When attempting to reset my password using the Install disc, I can't get into the system since I am asked for my password when I initiate the disc. What now?

I lost my MAC password and was advised to use the "MAC" install disc. With the "install disc" installed, I initiate the program and it asks for my "password" to continue. What do I do now since I am unable to offer the correct password. Sure would like to discuss this with a computer expert. I am really frustrated since I can't update programs due to the lost password?

First, make sure caps lock is not on.
If the user account is associated with an Apple ID, and you know the Apple ID password, then maybe the Apple ID can be used to reset your user account password.
Otherwise, boot into Recovery by holding down the key combination command-R at startup. Release the keys when you see a gray screen with a spinning dial.
When the OS X Utilities screen appears, select
Utilities ▹ Terminal
from the menu bar.
In the Terminal window, type this:
resetpassword
That's one word with no spaces. Then press return. A Reset Password window opens.
Select your boot volume if not already selected.
Select your username from the menu labeled Select the user account if not already selected.
Follow the prompts to reset the password. It's safest to choose a password that includes only the characters a-z, A-Z, and 0-9.
Select
 ▹ Restart
from the menu bar.
You should now be able to log in with the new password, but your Keychain will be reset (empty.) If you've forgotten the Keychain password (which is ordinarily the same as your login password), there's no way to recover it.

Resetting Admin password w/o Install Disc

My stepfather let me use his eMac while my DP Powermac is down. He has forgotten the password , and I need to FTP some files of his to my rig to back up , and install Tiger .The original install disc is over an hour away , so not an option. Can I use the Terminal or any other boot sequence to reset it?

Sorry but no. Resetting through the terminal or the user interface would require the original admin password, which you don't have. But if you have the Tiger disk, I think you can similarly reset the PW using that disk. I haven't tried it myself, though, so perhaps it's version specific, but it would be worth a try.
If the Tiger install disk won't work, then you'll have to get the original install disk, I'm afraid.

I have OSX10.4.11 and 10.5 on my HD but I have only been using 10.4. Is it possible to update the 10.5 partition with my 10.4 info without an install disc ?

Update HD partition w/o install disc ?

Hi, if I understand correctly you want to migrate data & such from 10.4.11 to 10.5.8?
If so boot from the 10.5.8 partition, Open Applications>Utilities>Migration Assistant & run that.

Install OS on blank harddrive without an install disc

I have an aluminum Macbook from late 2008, model A1278. I just had to replace the hard drive, and need to install an OS on the currently blank HDD. Problem is, my CD drive doesn't work, so I can't just install from a disc. I had installed Mountain Lion on my old hard drive, but the original OS was Snow Leopard. I haven't succeeded in getting any of my information off my old HDD. Is there another way to install either Snow Leopard or Lion onto my new hard drive?

Create a Snow Leopard or Lion flash drive.

Trying to reset administrator password by using the Mac OS X Install disc to reset but it won't allow me to without original administrator password. Frustrating.

Trying to reset administrator name/password by using the Mac OS X Install disc to reset but it won't allow me to without original administrator name/password. Frustrating. Reason I'm trying to reset is that it seems to be not recognising the administrator name as have changed password in System Preferences - Accounts.
PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Here's the instructions if you have the discs.
*Mac OS X: Changing or resetting an account password*
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274?viewlocale=en_US
Changing your administrator password
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh655.html
Here's one method to reset the password without the install disc:
1. boot computer and hold the "apple" key and the "s" key.
2. wait for terminal show
3. release keys
4. type without the quotes: "/sbin/mount -uaw"
5. press enter
6. type without the quotes: "rm /var/db/.applesetupdone
7. press enter
8. type without the quotes: "reboot"
9. press enter
This will let you create a new admin account when you reboot your computer.
Also, without the discs, look at Mac OS X Tip - No Password, No Root, No CD? No Problem.
http://www.macobserver.com/tip/2003/06/16.1.shtml
Without the discs, try this (OS 10.5 only). *How to Reset User Password via single user mode*
http://macosx.com/forums/howto-faqs/300019-howto-reset-user-password-via-single- user-mode.html
Here is a way to get around not knowing the admin password on Macs.
To reset your OS X password without an OS X CD you need to enter terminal and create a new admin account:
   1. Reboot
   2. Hold apple + s down after you hear the chime.
   3. When you get text prompt enter in these terminal commands to create a brand new admin account (hitting return after each line):
          * mount -uw /
          * rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
          * shutdown -h now
   4. After rebooting you should have a brand new admin account. When you login as the new admin you can simply delete the old one and you’re good to go again!
 Cheers, Tom

Mac OSX 10.5 Install Disc

I lost my leopard install disc for my PowerPC Mac G5 (no intel 2003 model). I need to reset the password and apparently, this is the only way that will work. I tried running the terminal commands and apples support, but had no luck.
Can anyone direct me to:
1) A place on apple's site I could download it?
2) A place I could buy it used without spending more than $30?
Thanks

I need to reset the password
Here's one method to reset the password without the install disc:
1. boot computer and hold the "apple" key and the "s" key.
2. wait for terminal show
3. release keys
4. type without the quotes: "/sbin/mount -uaw"
5. press enter
6. type without the quotes: "rm /var/db/.applesetupdone
7. press enter
8. type without the quotes: "reboot"
9. press enter
This will let you create a new admin account when you reboot your computer.
Also, without the discs, look at Mac OS X Tip - No Password, No Root, No CD? No Problem.
http://www.macobserver.com/tip/2003/06/16.1.shtml
Here is a way to get around not knowing the admin password on Macs.
To reset your OS X password without an OS X CD you need to enter terminal and create a new admin account:
   1. Reboot
   2. Hold apple + s down after you hear the chime.
   3. When you get text prompt enter in these terminal commands to create a brand new admin account (hitting return after each line):
          * mount -uw /
          * rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
          * shutdown -h now
   4. After rebooting you should have a brand new admin account. When you login as the new admin you can simply delete the old one and you’re good to go again!
 Cheers, Tom

IMac won't start without install disc

Hi, I'm new to all of this. I tried resetting my admin password using install disc on my iMac as I'd forgotten it. Now iMac won't start without disc. If disc is ejected on restart apple logo flashes between no entry sign and folder with "?" on it. Will start up with install disc in, but then wants me to choose language and install OS. Tried repairing and verifying HD and all seems ok. Tried holding option key and selecting HD on startup, but same outcome - choose language and install OS. How do I get back to normal desk top? Do I have to install OS again? Will I lose data? Please, please help! Thanks.

It should only take a minute or so at most to boot from the DVD.
If your sure you have the correct Install Disk for that iMac, I'd start over. Then if it still doesn't work then perhaps a trip to your Local Apple Service Provider with the Disk or Disk and iMac is in order.
http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/
Alternately using the correct Disk as per the following article, see if you can run the Apple Hardware Test? > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

Forgot name/password and install disc does not allow me to reset it

I forgot the Name and Password I set up to log into my imac. It is an older imac, from 2006 and I can't remember which version operating system. I have tried to use the install disc to reset the password, but it does not allow me to do so. Is there a way to reset the name and password without the install disc? For as long as I can remember whenever I would turn on my mac there would be an image that I had chosen and then a field to enter password. Just recently I turned on my mac and the image or avatar was no longer coming up and it asked for Name and Password. I have tried every combination I can think of and nothing works. I have tried to reset using my install disc, but it says that I do not have a password to reset.

Before giving up try the following technique to determine the user account names, and reset their passwords if necessary.
1. Shut down your Mac and turn it back on while holding down the ⌘ and S keys at the same time until your see a black screen with white text. This is known as Single User mode.
2. You can skip the following step, but it is recommended that you do not because it will check your boot volume for errors and correct what it can:
At the :/ root# prompt, type fsck -fy and press Return or Enter. It will take a few moments to complete. If you are concerned that nothing is happening just press the Return key until you see the :/ root# prompt again. Once the file system check is complete and the prompt returns, type mount -uw / and press Return / Enter.
3. Type the following
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.opendirectoryd.plist
and press Enter. If you get an error message you may ignore it.
4. Type ls /Users and press Enter. All of the usernames on the computer will be listed, which is helpful if you don’t know or remember what these are. You can skip the next step if you found the user name you recall and know its password.
5. Type dscl . passwd /Users/username password while replacing username with one of the users displayed in the previous step and replacing Password with the new password of your choice. Press Enter. You may get an error message about a file or directory not being found. You may ignore this.
6. Type reboot and press Enter.

How to install Lion OSX on new SSD without install disc

TL;DR
I need a way to install Lion on a new SSD without an install disc, and how to format it without a Mac.
Hello, just yesterday I opened up my MBP 13" Mid-2010 running 10.7.(4/5) (Not sure which it is, but I think it is 10.7.5) and the first thing I saw was Skype tring to sign in. It looked fine, untill I took a second look and I heard a strange clicking noise coming from my computer. The Sykpe signin page said "Disc I/O error" or something like that. I instantly knew there was something wrong with my hard drive. Tried rebooting, grey screen, strange clicking noise like most people with hard drive failure. I was devistated. It has worked minutes ago, then my brother gets off, I open it up,and the hard drive has failed. After I got over the initial shock, I googled "hard drive replacement" after searching for a while, I noticed most sites just showed how to UPGRADE your hard drive, cloning it and all. Well, heres my main problem. I had no time to clone. Luckily, I had started backup up a month ago, and all my data is safe on my external hard drive, but this is only a time machine backup. No OS. Now, most people can just put in their install disk and voila! But, I, sadly, do not have my install disk. No idea where it went, I just don't have it. So, I was wondering if there was any possible way to make a bootable USB or disk without having acsess to a Mac, or having to buy a disc. I bought Lion, and I'm hoping that there is a way to download this and put it on a USB, then boot my computer from it. Now, my second problem is formatting. I have no idea how to format my SSD, let alone without a Mac. If there is some way to format an SSD so that it will work with a MacBook Pro, that would be great.on a PC
IMPORTANT: No, I don't have ANY install discs, the only one I had, for Snow Leopard, is gone. And no, I don't have access to ANY Macs to format the SSD. Finally, I would really love to be able to do this all cost-free, as I have already purchased the Lion, and dont feel like buying a disc for it again.

Yes. See below:
Drive Erase for Lion/Mountain Lion
1. Wait until the Main Menu appears. This could take quite some time because you are doing all of this over an Internet connection. You should use Ethernet if possible. It's much faster than wireless. Select Disk Utility from the Main Menu and click on the Continue button.
2. After DU loads select the SSD main entry (mfgr.'s ID and size.) Click on the Partition tab in DU's main window. Select One partition from the dropdown menu under Partition Scheme.
3. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
After the above has completed quit DU and return to the Main Menu. Click on the Install/Reinstall OS X option then click on the Continue button.
You should be all set if there are no glitches.

Installing Leopard without install disc?

Hello,
I have a very old imac, (G4,1.25GHz,768MB) running 10.5.8 Leopard.
I've been given a newer, but still old imac with better specs (G5, 2GHz,1.5GB) running 10.4.11 Tiger.
Is there a way to get the os x Leopard to the other imac without the install disc?
Thanks.

How to use FireWire target disk mode...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Disk_Mode
Put the G5 in T mode, use Carbon Copy Cloner or such to clone the G4's drive to the G5.

Erase hard drive without install disc

I had to replace my MacBook Pro for a variety of reasons, one of which was that the optical drive was shot. Now I want to erase the HD. How do I do this without the install disc?

As you are running OS X Mountain Lion, you can use OS X Recovery to erase the hard drive. Read > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718
Hold Command and R keys while your MacBook Pro is starting to start in OS X Recovery, and open Disk Utility. Then, choose Macintosh HD in the sidebar, go to Erase tab and erase the drive. If you want, you can choose one of the security options if you don't want that your files could be recovered

Resetting a MacBookPro without OS Install Disc

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