reformatting a MBP - back to square one: how can i do this?

[Richard Cranium]

Hello,

Just got my new MBP and i used the migration assistant to move everything over. I have now realized that the old computer was a bit of a mess and I would rather just start from fresh on the new one. I have tried to use the install disc but theres no option to erase everything - that i can find. I have done this already but it just reinstalls the OS and leaves everything else the way it was. I have tried my tiger disc's but they are presumably only PPC. How can I get this new computer back to square one?

This time it will stay organized.

with thanks

rc

 

[swiftaw]

Hello,

Just got my new MBP and i used the migration assistant to move everything over. I have now realized that the old computer was a bit of a mess and I would rather just start from fresh on the new one. I have tried to use the install disc but theres no option to erase everything - that i can find. I have done this already but it just reinstalls the OS and leaves everything else the way it was. I have tried my tiger disc's but they are presumably only PPC. How can I get this new computer back to square one?

This time it will stay organized.

with thanks

rc

Insert the install CD and choose 'Erase and Install'

 

[Scarlet Fever]

the instal discs which came with the computer will work. Put disc 1 in, restart holding the C key, and look in the menu bar for Disk Utility. From there, select your HDD, click the Erase button, format it to Mac OS Extended - Journaled, and erase.
You don't need to worr about security options; if you were selling it you might want to run the 7- or 35- pass erase, but if you are just reformatting, its a waste of time. Zeroing the disc will suffice

 

[Richard Cranium]

thanks scarlet fever - that worked