Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
Do you have the OS install discs? If you do, here's an option: back up all your information, media, pictures, whatever, is yours. Delete everything once you have it backed up on another drive or whatever, and go about reinstalling (and in the process wiping your drive of anything; a) incriminating or b) sensitive or destructive or personal) your OS. Remember to write zeroes to the drive as well. Blah blah blah. After the process is complete, only someone hell-bent on destroying either your reputation or credit, or talented enough might be able to pull anything off of it. The average user isn't going to care. Or just save your home folder(~/user, user equaling you in this) to wherever and delete that user from the system as well. Administration is not that trying on Mac os or any other os for that matter, don't be scared to make a move, if you can back up files, and follow instructions. It's not like your wiping a government or corporate computer with sensitive info, amirite? Sent from my iPhone 4 On Jan 2, 2012, at 11:28 PM, cheryl chelyh...@gmail.com wrote: So if I just delete my own personal stuff, it will be ok to leave the OS on? That's the main thing I want to do is remove my own stuff and I'm afraid I will do it wrong and leave something there. On Jan 2, 7:30 pm, Valter Prahlad valter.prah...@fastwebnet.it wrote: Il giorno 3-01-2012 3:40, cheryl ha scritto: I'm not savvy about any of this, so if I sound like an idiot, that is why. Relax. There are no stupid questions - although there might be stupid answers. ;-) The two machines I have I bought used with the operating systems already installed and no disks and I have never had to clear a computer, hard drive, whatever in order to sell it. So you're selling them? I'd say you just need to erase your data (unless you don't mind other people getting their hands on it). I read somewhere that if I sell a used computer I am supposed to remove the OS before I do. It depends. Some Lists (like LEM-Swap) require to sell the machine with no OS later than the Mac was shipped with, unless you give the original OS discs included. (in other words, not giving away pirated OS copies) IMHO it's pretty much up to you, however. If the OS is the same you got the Macs with, you might as well leave it on. Leaving an OS is a kind gesture to the new user - who might be even less computer-savvy than you. :-) -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
From someone who used to work in recycling computers I would not delete the OS. The reason is that it costs a fair amount to buy the os to reinstall on the old hardware. Particularly if like the place i worked there is no Mac experience thus no OS disks. This results in the hardware going to the tip and a wasted computer :( Same with people destroying the hard drives adds greatly to the costs of refurbing the computer. The place i worked refurbed them for poor/disadvantaged people and prices started at £60 for windows machines. I never saw a mac come in when i was there but one did come in after i left. Delete your data and use a overwrite free space utility. I dont know of a mac one since i have only used Windows ones. Martin N At 02:40 03/01/2012, you wrote: I'm not savvy about any of this, so if I sound like an idiot, that is why. The two machines I have I bought used with the operating systems already installed and no disks and I have never had to clear a computer, hard drive, whatever in order to sell it. I read somewhere that if I sell a used computer I am supposed to remove the OS before I do. Running MorphOS v2.6 (Nov 2010) on Mac Mini, Moderator of MiniDisc,amithlonopen,bwfc Yahoogroups -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
Il giorno 3-01-2012 6:28, cheryl ha scritto: So if I just delete my own personal stuff, it will be ok to leave the OS on? See the other answers. IMO it's ok - but you have to consider the place rules, if you sell it through a specific place. That's the main thing I want to do is remove my own stuff and I'm afraid I will do it wrong and leave something there. Well, it depends on the MacOS you have been using. On OSX, most of your stuff would be automatically put into Users/YourUserName (and especially in Documents folder into that). But you might have put things somewhere else. You can browse your disc, just let these folders alone: - System - Library - Applications Then there are your preferences (including some personal data): they would be stored in several places, as OSX (Unix) has a complex structure. On OS9 (or previous), although some data would go into Documents folder, you really have no constraints there, so everything should be where you decided to put it. Again, there are also preferences files into System Folder/Preferences. If you're paranoid about your stuff, perhaps you'd better erase the whole drive. If you're not, deleting just your data could be enough. There could be some privacy issue, though (e.g., the new user would know your browser's bookmarks and history, etc.). -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
On Jan 3, 2012, at 1:47 PM, Valter Prahlad wrote: That's the main thing I want to do is remove my own stuff and I'm afraid I will do it wrong and leave something there. Well, it depends on the MacOS you have been using. Actually, it doesn't. 1) Create a new admin user via the Accounts preference pane 2) Log out and log in as the new user 3) Go bvack to the Accounts preference pane and delete your 'real' account. When offered the option, do not let it save your account as a disk image but erase your files. Voila' -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
Macs are sold with the OS all the time. I believe that (a) it's safe to sell with real OS discs or (b) with original OS for that model. Common sense tells me I shouldn't sell a Leopard OS G4 without the disc to go along. (FWIW - After a G4 I bought on eBay came with Leopard, and I liked it, I bought the family pack of Leo.) On Jan 2, 9:40 pm, cheryl chelyh...@gmail.com wrote: I'm not savvy about any of this, so if I sound like an idiot, that is why. The two machines I have I bought used with the operating systems already installed and no disks and I have never had to clear a computer, hard drive, whatever in order to sell it. I read somewhere that if I sell a used computer I am supposed to remove the OS before I do. On Jan 2, 4:58 pm, Tina K. penguir...@gmail.com wrote: On 2012/01/02 17:11, Valter Prahlad so eloquently wrote: Il giorno 2-01-2012 23:54, cheryl ha scritto: I have two old Macs that I want to wipe the data from. Can I do that myself? Do you mean erasing the whole drive, or just the user's data? In other words: do you want an empty drive, or a working Mac (booting and with apps) but without any of your data left? Giving that the subject line is: How do I remove an *OS* from a computer, I think it's pretty plain. The earlier answer about booting from an install disc, launching Disk Utility, clicking on the desired drive, then erase, and then going into Security Options... and choosing how many times you want it overwritten, is the answer you're looking for. Tina -- Acceleron: HP Presario 2.8GHz Celeron D 2GB RAM Discrete graphics XP Pro Luxo Jr: iMac 20 USB 2 1.25GHz G4 2GB RAM GeForceFX5200 Ultra 64MB VRAM 10.4.11 Worm: PowerBook G4 15 HR-DLSD 1.67GHz G4 2GB RAM Radeon 9700 128MB VRAM 10.5.8 Quadrophenia: Mac Pro Mid-2010 2.8 GHz QC 6 GB RAM Radeon HD 5770 1GB VRAM 10.6.8 -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
How do I remove an OS from a computer?
I have two old Macs that I want to wipe the data from. Can I do that myself? -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
on 1/2/12 5:54 PM, cheryl at chelyh...@gmail.com wrote: I have two old Macs that I want to wipe the data from. Can I do that myself? How old, what OS? There are some utilities that will zero out a hard-drive. I presume you're interested in removing any old personal data. I have an old utility called Burn 2.3 (Classic Mac) that allegedly can zero out selected files, so this wouldn't require a boot disk. There are others that need a boot disk. If the hard-drives are quite obsolete, and you're just interested in making sure your data is wiped before disposing of your legacy macs, you can always open them up. You'll get some amazing refrigerator magnets. The nice shiny disks ought to be good for something decorative... Barry -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
i assume that wipe the data means wipe the entire disk. if you want to just erase selected files, move them to the trash, then click on Finder--Preferences--Advanced, and check the box next to Securely Empty Trash. then empty the trash. i have no idea how secure this is. to securely erase the entire disk: boot from your install disk open disk utility highlight the hard disk in the left-hand panel click the erase tab on the right-hand panel click on security options and check the radio button next to the desired level of secure erase of your choosing, then click erase the above is all for OS X. for mac classic os, someone else will have to give advice. ken On Jan 2, 5:54 pm, cheryl chelyh...@gmail.com wrote: I have two old Macs that I want to wipe the data from. Can I do that myself? -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
Il giorno 2-01-2012 23:54, cheryl ha scritto: I have two old Macs that I want to wipe the data from. Can I do that myself? Do you mean erasing the whole drive, or just the user's data? In other words: do you want an empty drive, or a working Mac (booting and with apps) but without any of your data left? Which Operating System(s) those Macs have? Sure you can do it yourself. In case you want to erase just your data, you'll have to identify where that data has been put (not so difficult). -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
On 2012/01/02 17:11, Valter Prahlad so eloquently wrote: Il giorno 2-01-2012 23:54, cheryl ha scritto: I have two old Macs that I want to wipe the data from. Can I do that myself? Do you mean erasing the whole drive, or just the user's data? In other words: do you want an empty drive, or a working Mac (booting and with apps) but without any of your data left? Giving that the subject line is: How do I remove an *OS* from a computer, I think it's pretty plain. The earlier answer about booting from an install disc, launching Disk Utility, clicking on the desired drive, then erase, and then going into Security Options... and choosing how many times you want it overwritten, is the answer you're looking for. Tina -- Acceleron: HP Presario 2.8GHz Celeron D 2GB RAM Discrete graphics XP Pro Luxo Jr: iMac 20 USB 2 1.25GHz G4 2GB RAM GeForceFX5200 Ultra 64MB VRAM 10.4.11 Worm: PowerBook G4 15 HR-DLSD 1.67GHz G4 2GB RAM Radeon 9700 128MB VRAM 10.5.8 Quadrophenia: Mac Pro Mid-2010 2.8 GHz QC 6 GB RAM Radeon HD 5770 1GB VRAM 10.6.8 -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
I'm not savvy about any of this, so if I sound like an idiot, that is why. The two machines I have I bought used with the operating systems already installed and no disks and I have never had to clear a computer, hard drive, whatever in order to sell it. I read somewhere that if I sell a used computer I am supposed to remove the OS before I do. On Jan 2, 4:58 pm, Tina K. penguir...@gmail.com wrote: On 2012/01/02 17:11, Valter Prahlad so eloquently wrote: Il giorno 2-01-2012 23:54, cheryl ha scritto: I have two old Macs that I want to wipe the data from. Can I do that myself? Do you mean erasing the whole drive, or just the user's data? In other words: do you want an empty drive, or a working Mac (booting and with apps) but without any of your data left? Giving that the subject line is: How do I remove an *OS* from a computer, I think it's pretty plain. The earlier answer about booting from an install disc, launching Disk Utility, clicking on the desired drive, then erase, and then going into Security Options... and choosing how many times you want it overwritten, is the answer you're looking for. Tina -- Acceleron: HP Presario 2.8GHz Celeron D 2GB RAM Discrete graphics XP Pro Luxo Jr: iMac 20 USB 2 1.25GHz G4 2GB RAM GeForceFX5200 Ultra 64MB VRAM 10.4.11 Worm: PowerBook G4 15 HR-DLSD 1.67GHz G4 2GB RAM Radeon 9700 128MB VRAM 10.5.8 Quadrophenia: Mac Pro Mid-2010 2.8 GHz QC 6 GB RAM Radeon HD 5770 1GB VRAM 10.6.8 -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
As far as I know, they can be wiped or they can carry what original came on it or they can be updated to what OS they can carry at the moment. Check list rules as to what is acceptable, say if you were on LEM-swap. Other than that, wiping is merely an option for security, so do what thou wilt... Tah Ps... Try putting your drive in another system and wiping then reinstalling it physically in the machine you want clean. Automatic wiped system! Sent from my iPhone 4 On Jan 2, 2012, at 8:40 PM, cheryl chelyh...@gmail.com wrote: I'm not savvy about any of this, so if I sound like an idiot, that is why. The two machines I have I bought used with the operating systems already installed and no disks and I have never had to clear a computer, hard drive, whatever in order to sell it. I read somewhere that if I sell a used computer I am supposed to remove the OS before I do. On Jan 2, 4:58 pm, Tina K. penguir...@gmail.com wrote: On 2012/01/02 17:11, Valter Prahlad so eloquently wrote: Il giorno 2-01-2012 23:54, cheryl ha scritto: I have two old Macs that I want to wipe the data from. Can I do that myself? Do you mean erasing the whole drive, or just the user's data? In other words: do you want an empty drive, or a working Mac (booting and with apps) but without any of your data left? Giving that the subject line is: How do I remove an *OS* from a computer, I think it's pretty plain. The earlier answer about booting from an install disc, launching Disk Utility, clicking on the desired drive, then erase, and then going into Security Options... and choosing how many times you want it overwritten, is the answer you're looking for. Tina -- Acceleron: HP Presario 2.8GHz Celeron D 2GB RAM Discrete graphics XP Pro Luxo Jr: iMac 20 USB 2 1.25GHz G4 2GB RAM GeForceFX5200 Ultra 64MB VRAM 10.4.11 Worm: PowerBook G4 15 HR-DLSD 1.67GHz G4 2GB RAM Radeon 9700 128MB VRAM 10.5.8 Quadrophenia: Mac Pro Mid-2010 2.8 GHz QC 6 GB RAM Radeon HD 5770 1GB VRAM 10.6.8 -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
Follow Tina's instructions and you should not have any problems. Another easy solution is to remove the hard drive and keep it for yourself and sell the system without any hard drive. This is done often by many sellers. Happy New Year! David aka AmigaDave Dual booting MacOSX MorphOS2.7 on 1.42GHz G4 MDD PowerMac 1.5GHz G4 MacMini, plus MacOSX MorphOS3.0 beta on 1.67GHz G4 PowerBooks (15 17), and MacOSX Linux on Dual 2.7GHz G5 PowerMac, waiting for MorphOS3.x later this year or next. On Jan 2, 2012, at 6:40 PM, cheryl wrote: I'm not savvy about any of this, so if I sound like an idiot, that is why. The two machines I have I bought used with the operating systems already installed and no disks and I have never had to clear a computer, hard drive, whatever in order to sell it. I read somewhere that if I sell a used computer I am supposed to remove the OS before I do. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
Il giorno 3-01-2012 3:40, cheryl ha scritto: I'm not savvy about any of this, so if I sound like an idiot, that is why. Relax. There are no stupid questions - although there might be stupid answers. ;-) The two machines I have I bought used with the operating systems already installed and no disks and I have never had to clear a computer, hard drive, whatever in order to sell it. So you're selling them? I'd say you just need to erase your data (unless you don't mind other people getting their hands on it). I read somewhere that if I sell a used computer I am supposed to remove the OS before I do. It depends. Some Lists (like LEM-Swap) require to sell the machine with no OS later than the Mac was shipped with, unless you give the original OS discs included. (in other words, not giving away pirated OS copies) IMHO it's pretty much up to you, however. If the OS is the same you got the Macs with, you might as well leave it on. Leaving an OS is a kind gesture to the new user - who might be even less computer-savvy than you. :-) -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: How do I remove an OS from a computer?
So if I just delete my own personal stuff, it will be ok to leave the OS on? That's the main thing I want to do is remove my own stuff and I'm afraid I will do it wrong and leave something there. On Jan 2, 7:30 pm, Valter Prahlad valter.prah...@fastwebnet.it wrote: Il giorno 3-01-2012 3:40, cheryl ha scritto: I'm not savvy about any of this, so if I sound like an idiot, that is why. Relax. There are no stupid questions - although there might be stupid answers. ;-) The two machines I have I bought used with the operating systems already installed and no disks and I have never had to clear a computer, hard drive, whatever in order to sell it. So you're selling them? I'd say you just need to erase your data (unless you don't mind other people getting their hands on it). I read somewhere that if I sell a used computer I am supposed to remove the OS before I do. It depends. Some Lists (like LEM-Swap) require to sell the machine with no OS later than the Mac was shipped with, unless you give the original OS discs included. (in other words, not giving away pirated OS copies) IMHO it's pretty much up to you, however. If the OS is the same you got the Macs with, you might as well leave it on. Leaving an OS is a kind gesture to the new user - who might be even less computer-savvy than you. :-) -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
