Trying to reinstall OS X on Mac Mini for sale... AppleID required?

[convergent]

I have a 2010 Mac Mini I want to get rid of, and trying to get it back to factory settings. There appears to be no way to install OS X without putting in my AppleID. Any way to do this?

 

[keysofanxiety]

The Apple ID doesn't save or link to the OS whatsoever. It's merely for initial verification. When you enter your details and install the OS, it'll be just like a new machine with the first time setup.

 

[UL2RA]

Do a clean install by installing OS X via an external drive or flash drive: https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/macos-sierra-clean-install/

 

[convergent]

The Apple ID doesn't save or link to the OS whatsoever. It's merely for initial verification. When you enter your details and install the OS, it'll be just like a new machine with the first time setup.

OK, thanks... that is what I was concluding after going ahead and seeing what happened afterwards. Just for giggles, I tried to setup a new "burner" AppleID to use for this. It created the account, and even logged into Apple Store and updated my mailing address and such. The only thing I didn't do was put in payment info. Trying to use that ID for the install it still won't take it.

 

[keysofanxiety]

OK, thanks... that is what I was concluding after going ahead and seeing what happened afterwards. Just for giggles, I tried to setup a new "burner" AppleID to use for this. It created the account, and even logged into Apple Store and updated my mailing address and such. The only thing I didn't do was put in payment info. Trying to use that ID for the install it still won't take it.

It needs to be an OS already redeemed/downloaded from the account, again just for verification purposes. Likely why the burner Apple ID didn't work.

 

[UL2RA]

Or you could just not worry about any of that and do a clean install like I linked to above.

 

[convergent]

Or you could just not worry about any of that and do a clean install like I linked to above.

It's actually a Late 2009 Mac Mini so not able to run Sierra; and I had already done what I did before you replied! But thanks for the suggestion!

 

[UL2RA]

You can do a clean install with any version of macOS. This tool makes it easy to do: http://diskmakerx.com/

 

[Fishrrman]

I've come to the conclusion that a USB flash drive makes the best installer solution.

You can create one using either Diskmaker X or Install Disk Creator (or, the terminal).

 

[campyguy]

How to reinstall macOS?

 

[saulinpa]

I've come to the conclusion that a USB flash drive makes the best installer solution.

I agree. I have created an install DVD and installed that way but it takes forever. I think they either removed caching or some other file system optimization.