Resetting iMac G5

We just purchased a new iMac to replace our older G5 iSight. I'd like to sell the G5 but I want to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the OS first. I've been running into some difficulty. The computer was a hand me down, however, I do have what I believe to be the original software discs that with the computer. There is one disc for the OS (10.1.2) and one for applications. I also have a full version of OSX Tiger (10.4 black disc). I have tried to do an erase and install with both versions with no luck. Every time I try I get a grey screen with the spinning wheel for a while then a circle with a diagonal line through it. I have tried this while holding down the "C" key during start up, and also by holding down the "option" key during start up. It seems like it just wont boot from the start-up disc. When I insert the discs while the computer is running it will show on the desktop so I know that the optical is working. I'm really perplexed. Any ideas?

The iMac G5 you have probably shipped with a newer
OS X version than either one of those you've tried using.
The ancient 10.1 predates most possibilities; and the
Tiger retail 10.4.0 would only work with the earliest
iMac G5 that shipped with a Panther 10.3.5 version.
After the first 17" & 20" iMac G5s the next batch had
a version of 10.4 included with them.
One would have to know more about the computer you
have in order to answer the question; an online service
where you enter the computer's serial number may be
of help to better define the build model and year shipped.
Serienummers - klantenservice:
http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html
MacTracker - free database, download:
http://mactracker.ca
Everymac.com - tech specs of most things Mac:
http://www.everymac.com/
Also, with the serial number, if the computer is not too old
(and it may be, now) there was a chance that a replacement
original install-restore disc set could have been purchased
from Apple Sales online, based on the model & serial number.
The correct disc set should accompany the computer as an
original part, essential to the operation and upkeep of the Mac.
A call to the sales online phone number in the upper margin
of the main Apple store online, along with the product info,
may be of help to determine if you can get the correct disc
set; and that could accompany the computer to a new owner.
Good luck & happy computing!

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You can't exactly, but what is it you wish to accomplish exactly?
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How to reset iMac before sell

i would like to sell my iMac but would like to know how to reset my iMac. And which dvd to install can i use both disk iMac applications install dvd and mac OS X install dvd?

Before you sell or give away your computer, in addition to the steps mentioned in this support article, take these steps:
1. Run Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test. The buyer will do this (or he should), and you don't want to be surprised by the results.
2. Reset the PRAM and the SMC, which might contain personal information.
3. If you set a firmware password, remove it by running Firmware Password Utility in Recovery mode.
4. If you activated FileVault in OS X 10.7 or later, turn it off.
5. If you use Boot Camp, the partition must be deleted.
6. If you created any other data partitions on the internal drive, remove them in Disk Utility.
7. If the machine has an internal hard drive, erase the one remaining data partition with the option to zero out data. An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.
You can't legally or practically transfer any software downloaded from the Mac App Store to the new owner of the machine, even if it was free. That includes OS X, so if you upgraded to OS X 10.7 or later, you must reinstall an older OS, either from the installation media, if applicable, or by starting up in Internet Recovery mode (option-command-R at the startup chime.) If you installed from physical media, deliver those to the new owner.
If you're selling the machine, or donating it in working order, and it originally shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, then you have the option of installing either from the discs that came with it or from a retail Snow Leopard disc (which you must then transfer to the buyer.) The buyer should understand that if he doesn't get the original discs from you, he won't get the bundled iLife applications or the Apple Hardware Test. Replacements for the original discs can be ordered from Apple.
The new owner will have to redownload any software that came from the App Store, including OS X upgrades, under his or her Apple ID. If you ever updated the bundled iLife applications (Garage Band, iMovie, and iPhoto) through the App Store, you can't transfer those either. The buyer will have to purchase them.
Remove the machine from your list of registered products. If it's still covered by an AppleCare Protection Plan, transfer the coverage to the new owner by following the instructions in the AppleCare Terms and Conditions (under the heading "Transfer of Plan.")

Factory reset imac

after a disaster last night buying and trying to install lion i now need to do a factory reset on my imac.
I have a 15 month old imac bought from john lewis who provide a 2 year warrany independent of apple.
Last night i downloaded lion only to be met with a S.M.A.R.T error, unrepairable harddrive and lion would not install.
I rang the suppliers tech desk today and they told me i would have to return the product to store (for a new hard drive i presume)
I would rather not take it back with all my photos and id's so would like to know how to reset it to factory conditions.
BTW the machine seems to work ok apart from not being able to install lion and showing this message
thanks!

if the drive is still operating, I would just "Secure erase" any sensitive info. as long as you have a backup.
If the drive is toast, it's toast.

Need to reset imac for selling

Hi I am trying to reset my imac and somehow have messed it up all i have at startup is the image of a folder with a ? flashing on screen

Before you sell or give away your computer, in addition to the steps listed in this support article, take these steps:
1. Run Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test. The buyer will do this (or he should), and you don't want to be surprised by the results.
2. Reset the PRAM and the SMC, which might contain personal information.
3. If you set a firmware password, remove it by running Firmware Password Utility in Recovery mode.
4. If you activated FileVault in OS X 10.7 or later, turn it off.
5. If you use Boot Camp, the partition must be deleted.
6. If you created any other data partitions on the internal drive, remove them in Disk Utility.
7. If the machine has an internal hard drive, erase the one remaining data partition with the option to zero out data. An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.
You can't legally or practically transfer any software downloaded from the Mac App Store to the new owner of the machine, even if it was free. That includes OS X, so if you upgraded to OS X 10.7 or later, you must reinstall an older OS, either from the installation media, if applicable, or by starting up in Internet Recovery mode (option-command-R at the startup chime.) If you installed from physical media, deliver those to the new owner.
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The new owner will have to redownload any software that came from the App Store, including OS X upgrades, under his or her Apple ID. If you ever updated the bundled iLife applications (Garage Band, iMovie, and iPhoto) through the App Store, you can't transfer those either. The buyer will have to purchase them.
Remove the machine from your list of registered products. If it's still covered by an AppleCare Protection Plan, transfer the coverage to the new owner by following the instructions in the AppleCare Terms and Conditions (under the heading "Transfer of Plan.")

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I have a 21.5 IMac running 10.5.8 OSX. I use this computer to run parallels and MagicInfo(WIndows program) for digital signage. Magic Info crashed and I need to see if I can reset the IMac to a day prior to the crash and restore the program? Or do I need to go into the virtual windows and reset?

This is an iMac forum, I would recommend looking for a Parallels forum and reposting your question.

Help to factory reset iMac 2009

I need help to reset to factory settings my iMac 2009 please

You can try this:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2217185?tstart=0
Steps to cure:
1) Shutdown iMac
2) Unplug power cord from back of iMac
3) Press and hold power button for 20 seconds
4) Restore power cord; power on iMac
5) Immediately on hearing Startup Chime, press and hold Command-Option-P-R keys (⌘⌥ P R)
6) Wait until you hear an additional four (4) chimes; the fourth (fifth) chime will (should) be louder and clearer
7) Release the keys and allow iMac to boot normally.
Note: This reboot may take up to two minutes, but subsequent reboots should be less than 30-45 seconds.
Results:
 Boot time 35 seconds
 super snappy app/window behavior (especially Parallels/Windows and Safari/Flash
 New Xbench Score = 286.24 (must admit I thought this would be higher)
 Super Happy owner of the hands-down, most kickass screen on the planet

Reset iMac to factory setting and Mac OS X

So I want to sell my iMac from early 2009 (see technical fact sheet here: http://support.apple.com/kb/SP507 ).
I need to do factory reset. The original OSX is 10.5 if I am correct, but i am already at 10.8.2 which is the latest.
My question is does reset forces it back o 10.5 and if so can the buyer upgrades to 10.8.2 at no cost? I don't remember how I upgrade it. I have been using Ubuntu too long. Thanks
-- sent from iPad

Just as an added clarification: any OS license obtained from the App Store is forever tied to the Apple ID it was purchased with and is not transferable. If you left 10.8.2 on it, the buyer would not ever be able to download/reinstall because his Apple ID and the machine ID do not match the purchase records.
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How do I reset imac G5 with OS 10.6.8 to factory settings?

I have to reset my imac G5 that runs OS 10.6.8 to factory settings. I am not selling it but I do want to wipe everything off the hard drive and start over.... fresh.
Please advise how to do that... Thank you!

Click here and follow the instructions. If the computer originally shipped with Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier, when you reach step 5, insert its original disk, restart with the C or Option key held down, use the Disk Utility to erase the internal drive, and install a fresh OS.
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(117538)

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HI - I hope this is the right place...
I am in the process of trying to save a ton of data, the only versions existing, from an old IMac (circa 2007, running 10.6.8), and I am encountering ALL the problems.
It's like the computer is against me.
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Of course, I can't boot it into target drive, because the iMac is stuck in VERBOSE MODE, so all I get is lots of "tttttttttt" intttttttttterjected in the boot babble.
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Turns out I was able to force the disk to restart in Target Mode from the System Prefs panel, but I'm still trying to find a solution to the Verbose Mode not accepting commands.
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IMac refuses to allow OS install --trying to reset iMac

I want to reset an iMac back to the original state before it was used.
Things I have tried include :
At startup pressing C and booting of the DVD Installation
Result: screen freezes with Apple logo waited 15 min before restart
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Result: Apple logo with 'moving gear' then choose Utility, then OS reset got one of two messages
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I got it, here are some articles that will help you on how to prepare a Mac for sale.
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I have a 24" iMac with Lion on it... I have a Time Machine Backup of the machine and now I need to basically wipe it clean so I can sell it, How do I go about doing that? I assume that Lion will remain on it (since it was an upgrade), and what about the iLife and iWork suite that is on it? Do I need to resintall all that when its reset?
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Thanks!

Prepare Your Mac for Sale
Boot from the OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer. 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 startup volume from the left side list then click on the Erase tab. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) then click on the Options button. Select the one pass Zero Data option and click on the OK button. Then click on the Erase button.
Note: You can skip the Zero Data option if you are not concerned about removing sensitive personal data from the hard drive. If you choose to skip this part of the process then it is possible for others to recover data from the hard drive. The Zero Data procedure will prevent others from getting access to your personal information.
This process will take 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the size of the hard drive. After formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Now complete the OS X installation. At the completion of the installation do not restart the computer. Instead just shut it off. The next user will be presented with the Setup Assistant when they turn on the computer just as it would if new out of the box.

Reset iMac to Factory Specs

I am running Snow Leopard on a used Intel iMac. I keep discovering artifacts from the previous owner. How can I reset this computer to factory specs? I do not have the original computer discs.

Drive Preparation
1. Boot from your OS X Installer Disc. 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.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing. SMART info will not be reported on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID (for Intel Macs) or APM (for PPC Macs) then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Quit DU and return to the installer. Complete the OS X installation.

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How do I reset aan iMac G5

What problem are you experiencing with your machine?
you need to reset the Mac's PRAM, NVRAM, and Open Firmware. Shut down the Mac, then power it up, and before the screen lights up, quickly hold down the Command, Option, P, and R keys, until the Mac has chimed twice more after the powerup chime.
Then, before the screen lights up, hold down Command-Option-O-F until the Open Firmware screen appears. Then enter these lines, pressing Return after each one:
reset-nvram
set-defaults
reset-all
"The reset-all command should restart your Mac. If so, you have successfully reset the Open Firmware settings."
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1812?viewlocale=en_US
Should the fail...
Try taking the battery out for 10 minutes. Put battery back in. Cross fingers. Power the machine back on.
How to eject a cd from the internal cd drive:
eject cd
List of devices:
devalias
List of variables:
printenv
More than you ever wanted to know about open firmware
http://www.firmworks.com/QuickRef.html
( nvram is the equivalent Mac OS X terminal command. )
Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
reset the PMU
http://mrjcd.com/junk/PMU.jpg
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1939

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Since I am having some problems with my iMac (early 2008) HDD and I m going to have it repaired I'd like to:
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a back up from my time machine until I get my iMac repaired
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1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
   2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
      *Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
   3. Click the Erase tab.
   4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
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How to format your disks...
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/partitioning_tiger.html
(To Install OSX on an IntelMac the Drive it needs the GUID Partitioning scheme mentioned at the bottom.)
Thanks to Pondini, Formatting, Partitioning, Verifying, and Repairing Disks...
http://Pondini.org/OSX/DU.html

Resetting iMac G5

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