How to restore a 1GHz Power PC G4 Mac to factory settings?
November 29, 2010 7:47 PM

I'm giving my 1GHz Power PC G4 Mac to a charity because I'm getting a new Intel-based one. What's the best way to restore it to factory settings, so there's no trace of my personal data or installed programs on it? Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl to Computers & Internet (5 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3910

These instructions are for Snow Leopard, but the process is basically the same as it has been for years.
posted by Fleebnork at 7:54 PM on November 29, 2010


This walkthrough might be at least as helpful, as it explains how to have the Setup Assistant run on bootup, with no users configured.
posted by holgate at 8:15 PM on November 29, 2010


I would make sure to do a secure erase. 7-pass if you're anal; zeroes if you're only a little paranoid.

Boot from the OS install disk, find Disk Utility from the dropdown menus, and go to town.
posted by thejoshu at 8:36 PM on November 29, 2010


thanks folks!
posted by holdenjordahl at 9:32 PM on November 29, 2010


Easiest? Remove your hard drive, put in a cheap new one. Install the OS fresh from DVDs/CDs.
posted by chairface at 11:31 AM on November 30, 2010


« Older Is this some kind of scam or identity theft?   |   US Citizenship Questionnaire about Affiliations Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.