Wipe Hard Drive and complete reinstall

It looks like I have a nasty little virus on my computer and instead of trying to clean it off I feel much better blowing everything away, reformatting the hard drive, and reinstalling windows 7. Is there anything special I need to know before I embark on this quest? I looked through the box and I don't see any installation discs or anything to aid me through the process or the reinstallation of the drivers. There are a lot of Toshiba drivers that I never used so I probably don't need many of them.
My laptop is a Satellite C655D-5057.

Jerry,
thank you so much for the quick response. There are a lot of different options to choose from, but I'm curious if there is one that will be the best option for me system? I think restoring to factory out-of-box specs would be great, but I worry about the issue not being eliminated. However I'm also wondering if reformatting my hard drive is too aggressive. This is our main computer so if I error on a side I want it to be the most conservative in nature.
Regards,
Scott
Jerry_Lippey wrote:
Satellite C655D-S5057
Scott, all the information you need is tucked away in the section Recovering the Internal Storage Drive, which begins on p. 59 of the User's Guide.
Satellite C640/C650 Series User’s Guide

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I had to erase my hard drive and then reinstall everything back from my passport external hard drive. Now my iPhoto edit is not working. I get a blank screen when I want to edit. The photos show up in the library but I cannot edit them. Help?

I had to erase my hard drive and then reinstall everything back from my passport external hard drive. Now my iPhoto edit is not working. I get a blank screen when I want to edit. The photos show up in the library but I cannot edit them. Help?

There are several possible causes for the Black Screen issue
*1. Permissions in the Library* : Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Include the option to check and repair permissions.
*2. Minor Database corruption*: Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild.
*3. A Damaged Photo*: Select one of the affected photos in the iPhoto Window and right click on it. From the resulting menu select 'Show File (or 'Show Original File' if that's available). Will the file open in Preview? If not then the file is damaged. Time to restore from your back up.
*4. A corrupted iPhoto Cache*: Trash the com.apple.iPhoto folder from HD/Users/Your Name/Library/ Caches...
*5. A corrupted preference file*: Trash the com.apple.iPhoto.plist file from the HD/Users/ Your Name / library / preferences folder. (Remember you'll need to reset your User options afterwards. These include minor settings like the window colour and so on. Note: If you've moved your library you'll need to point iPhoto at it again.)
If none of these help:
As a Test:
Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library'
Import a few pics into this new, blank library. Is the Problem repeated there?
Regards
TD

Is there a way to back up my adobe sweet to an external hard drive and then reinstall?

I need to do a factory reset on my mac and I would like to know what I should do about the adobe sweet. Is there a way to back it up to an external hard drive and then reinstall?

What you should do is deactivate the suite before you reset the machine. Then after things are reset and running again, download and install the suite using the serial number you should have (check under My Products in your online Adobe account).
Since you did not name the suite, I can only provide the following generic link which will lead you to the various downloads that Adobe provides.
Download and Installation Help -
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install.html

How can I wipe hard drive and do a clean install of Mavericks?

I have a 2012 MacBook Pro that is terrible sluggish, probably from upgrades and semi-deleted Symantec software. I want to wipe the hard drive and do a clean install of Mavericks. I have all files backed up, and can reinstall software.
I think there is a way to do this with Disc Utility? But don't know how. Advice welcome

If you have Yosemite installed and want to reinstall it, do a backup, preferable 2 separate ones on 2 drives. Boot to the Recovery Volume (command - R on a restart or hold down the option/alt key during a restart and select Recovery Volume). Run Disk Utility Verify/Repair and Repair Permissions until you get no errors. Reformat the drive using Disk Utility/Erase Mac OS Extended (Journaled), then click the Option button and select GUID. Then re-install the OS.
OS X Recovery
OS X Recovery (2)
When you reboot, use Setup Assistant to restore your data.

How To Wipe Hard Drive and Install Mavricks.

Hello,
So I want to erase my hard drive completely and install mavricks back on to it. From reading other articals some said that if your computer originaly came with Mountain Lion (mine did) that you DON'T need a install disk. So now im lost in the confusion. What I want to know is how to completely Erase The HD and istall Mountain Lion Again. The way Apple told me to do it was after I click erase on the HD (throught DU) a window would pop up and ask if I want to reinstall Mountain Lion. Is that true?
(One more questing aside from the topic is, can you install a OS from Flash Drive.)
Thanks

Apple explains how to do it in:
OS X Mavericks: Erase and reinstall OS X, the article is located at http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14243

How to wipe hard drive and keep OS?

Hi everyone...
I have a Powerbook G4 12" that was loaned to me. I'd like to wipe the harddrive to "out of the box" condition and keep OS X. I do NOT have the original disks that came with the laptop.
Since I'm a noob to Mac, what's the best way to format and/or wipe the drive of all the previous users junk and start over without bricking the laptop (since I don't have the original cd's)??
Thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions!!
Jim

Jim:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
Follow the procedure outlined in Niel's article Making the Setup Assistant Reappear.
cornelius

I had to wipe clean my hard drive and now reinstall fire fox. I should have something with my book marks saved on my external hard drive but I cannot find anyt

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Sorry for the delayed response. Does anything in this article help:
[[Recovering important data from an old profile]]

Problems trying to store iTunes on external hard drive and back up iPhone to internal hard drive?

Hi
I have been tirelessly trying to relocate my entire iTunes function to an external hard drive to free space on my laptop. I have migrated the iTunes library (from the 'My Music' location on laptop) to ext hard drive and also reinstalled iTunes, asking to save all files during set up to the ext drive (not in default 'Program Files' on laptop). I have also pointed iTunes to the library's new location on the ext hard drive. I did this after reading a recommendation on here that it is better to have both my library and all other iTunes files in the same place.
One of the problems is when I have moved the library, it has for some reason created two iTunes folders on the ext drive with different music in each, but the library database file is only available in one of them, and I am not sure if all the music from both folders is available in iTunes.
Another huge issue is that when I have tried to back up my iPhone to the computer (as recommended to do after migrating the iTunes program to another location), it is not letting the process complete; I get an error message saying it cannot save to the computer. It seems the location of the back ups (C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup) isn't compatible with the new location of my library etc (on my ext drive)and from searching the internet for a solution, it seems you can't change the location of where back ups of an iPhone are stored.
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Thanks in advance
VR

Hmm.
I'm sure I'd successfully tested the command line version of the move instructions at one point, but I'm getting the same "access denied" error when I try. Maybe "Move" doesn't like working with folders when the path contains sections with hidden or system flags. Anyway herewith version 3 which I've just tested works as described...
Relocate iOS device backups
Assuming you're running Windows Vista or later you can use the following steps:
Using Windows Explorer move the current Mobile Sync Backup folder from C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup to your chosen location, e.g. as X:\Backup where <User> is your Windows user name and X: is your preferred drive.
To make iTunes look for the data in the new location open a command prompt by hitting the start button and typing CMD<Enter> in the search box that opens up, then type in this command and press <Enter>
MkLink /J "C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup" "X:\Backup"
If your external drive has a different letter or you already have a folder called "Backup" then edit "X:\Backup" accordingly.
If you're still running Windows XP you can use Junction (cmd line tool) or NTFSLink (shell ext). In both cases you move the existing folder to a new location, create an empty folder where the old one used to be, then use the tools to get the operating system to link the two together and silently redirect any file operation on the old location through to the new one.
Note that while this method works for iOS device backups it cannot be used to redirect sections of the media library. iTunes will break the connection the first time it tries to write a file to the target folder.
What happens when you want to sync the device? If you're getting a warning about erasing and reloading the device with media from the current library then something is wrong. If you moved the library files correctly and then reconnected them to iTunes this should still be the "home" library of the device and it should sync as if nothing had changed. If not then revist the make a split library portable post for advice. See also Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device if for some reason you accidentally erased the original library files and all backups thereof.
tt2

I'm getting the grey screen during start up and can't boot the computer. I did a cmnd R but worried it would automatically wipe my hard drive and reinstall OS. Is there a risk at cmnd R will result in wiped HD without me actively making that choice?

I'm getting the grey screen during start up and can't boot the computer - MacBook Pro with lion.
I did a command r after doing some research but got nervous that it would automatically wipe my hard drive and reinstall OS.
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Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions - Mavericks, Lion/Mountain 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.
Repair
When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported then click on the Repair Permissions button. When the process is completed, then quit DU and return to the main menu. Select Restart from the Apple menu.
Reinstall Mountain Lion or Mavericks
OS X Mavericks- Reinstall OS X
OS X Mountain Lion- Reinstall OS X
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is
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How do I erase everything, wipe the hard drive and reinstall OSX?

I am going to be giving my g3 ibook to my son. I want to erase everything, completely wipe the drive and start from scrath with Tiger. How do I do this? Do I need to be concerned with any potential pitfalls? I know I need to deauthorize the itunes on the ibook, but is there anything else I need to do before I start the process? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Do you have the original software CD's that came with the iBook? If so, I would recommend using them to restore the original software before proceeding to upgrade. This way, your son will have all the original software that came on the iBook (like AppleWorks).
A concern with Tiger and a G3 iBook is that some of them have such a small hard drive that it is really (in my opinion, at least) too cramped for Tiger. It's recommended to keep about 5 GB of available hard drive space for OS X to run smoothly and also to allow room for an Archive and Install if it is ever necessary. The newer the version of the OS, the more important the extra hard drive space is.
Also, you don't say how much RAM is installed in the iBook. I suppose you know that Tiger requires 256 MB for installation, and it would be wiser to have the RAM upgraded to its maximum with a 512 MB module, if you haven't already done that.
Good luck!

I have an issue with Acrobat, after a few uses, the program will not load, the only way to fix it is to completely uninstall the CS suite wipe the drive and reinstall the software, then after a few uses it stops working, how do i fix this?

after a few uses, the program will not load, the only way to fix it is to completely uninstall the CS suite wipe the drive and reinstall the software, then after a few uses it stops working, how do i fix this?

Not sure of an answer to your basic question, but it may be that you can run a repair (on Windows --> Control Panel>Programs & Features and run the repair on Acrobat). If that fixes the issue, at least temporarily, at least you will not be reinstalling everything -- a real pain.
Next, open Acrobat and go to the Help to run the updates and be sure you are current. On some OSs, the updates are critical.

How wipe hard drive clean without a disk and reinstall OS?

Running a 15" Mid 2010, OS 10.8.3; after migrating Profile to new MacBook want to wipe hard drive clean & reinstall Mountain Lion 10.8.3 in order to give to daughter as a "new" computer. All I can find in archived discussions is how to do it w/ a disk.

Yes I would.
The iLife Apps, "i" Photo, Movie and Garageband (And "i" DVD and WEB if you Mac came with Snow Leopard originally), are not included with the Operating system. They are separate applications that you need to either download from the Mac App Store, from your Purchases area once you have logged into the MAS with the Apple ID you used to register that Mac with, or from the second System Reinstall Disc, the Applications disc, that came with your Mac if it originally came with Snow Leopard.
So I read you are running a Mid 2010 MBP. In that case you would need to use the second Original System Disc to reinstall the iLife Applications.
That may be a problem for you as the iLife apps that came with that system are 3 years old and may not want to install on Mt Lion 10.8.3.
If you run into problems installing them from that second system disc you may have to start off by first reinstalling Snow Leopard and then the iLife Apps and Then Upgrade to Mt Lion. Making sure after installing Snow Leopard and the iLife Apps you update everything through Software Update before you do the Mt Lion upgrade.
Sorry about the hassle but blame Apple for that.
Hopefully you have the Original system discs but if you don't then you can order a replacement set from Apple for a small charge.
Good Luck & Best Wishes.

My 2009 MacBook Pro keeps restarting even after I wiped the hard drive and reinstalled OSX.

About a month ago, my laptop started to randomly turn off: I would be using either Chrome, Photoshop (the free CS2 version available from Adobe's website) or Powerpoint, and the screen would go blank. I would then have to hold the power button for a while until the little light at the front of the computer would flicker and it would restart. I brought it to the Mac Store where they tested it and said it looked fine. They suggested I erase my hard drive and reinstall OSX as a precaution.
Fast forward a month, I have been very busy with work and hadn't been able to fix this problem. It wasn't that bad, only once every couple of days, sometimes more, sometimes less, I could work despite this problem.
Then, I installed OSX Mavericks. The installation started in the morning, but, like an idiot, I paused it to go to work. Later on, I completed the installation, it looked fine, but then all day long my laptop would suddenly restart and go to a grey screen that said in multiple languages "Your laptop restarted because of a problem, press any button to continue the restart." A computer technician friend of mine checked it out and said it was probably due to the badly installed OSX and suggested that I erase my hard drive and reinstall OSX.
I backed up all my files, erased the hard drive and reinstalled OSX. Everything looked fine.
Then it happened again.
Any ideas of why this is happening?

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

How can I wipe my hard drive and clean install Mountain Lion?

Hi I have a 21.5 inch mid 2011 iMac running Mountain Lion, I want to wipe my hard drive and clean install Mountain Lion. I dont want all my stuff back, just photos and music, the rest I'll reinstall my self. I also dont have a exteranl harddrive. only two USB's one 2 GB and the other 8 GB. How do I do this? And I dont want to pay for mountain lion again. Thanks!

I made my partition and am currently reinstalling mountain lion to put on my flash drive. I'm using Lion disk maker 2 thats compatible with mountain lion. I'm doing it right, correct?

How to wipe hard drive bc selling computer and want all passwords/personal info gone? etc

how to wipe hard drive bc selling computer and want all passwords/personal info gone?

You need to boot the computer from another source, e.g. a CD or an external drive. Then run Disk Utility, select the drive you want cleaned up, and run Erase. Note the security options: "write zeroes" will erase the drive completely.

Wipe Hard Drive and complete reinstall

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