how to restore a mac without the original discs

NOTE: Some have pointed out that this process does not actually delete the old user. In my experience, you can create a new admin user using this process, then delete your old user info, then run this process again. Its not perfect but it's probably good enough to sell your computer to someone and help them start fresh. Good luck!

this is a very fast how to video on how to restore a mac to that "just purchased" state so that a new user can start using it as a new administrator. There are better ways to do this using the original install discs, but this video is for people selling or giving their computers who don't have those discs or who's discs are corrupt. I'm not an expert, I just had a tough time finding this info myself and I think its HUGELY useful for people selling their macs.

If you like this video, check out my reel and hire me as your cinematographer on your next big film. Actually, I have no intentions with this video other than to give out this good tip that I discovered.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• clean
• restore mac
• original settings
• new user
• how to
• sell a mac
• prep
• install discs
• delete
• macbook
• mac
• apple
• air
• lion
• osx
• system

[tjhellmuth]

There's still a way to delete the account. I think you could do this process, create a new user, then go in and delete the old user, then run this process again, and you'll be pretty close. Its not really a like new state but its a nice way to sell your computer without the discs. I don't know of a better way.

[minifjurt123boy]

that is to make a new admin account but does not delete the old one....

[matt5565ify]

it did not delete everything and make a account...

[afsheen554]

it asks for route # what should i put?

[BoldnBeauTful1]

Thanks! I really needed this!