Which version of macOS recovery to use before returning MBP 2017 to Apple?

[hajime]

Hello, I am returning the computer to Apple. From the following site, I can use Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R. Which one should I use?

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204904

If I erase the startup disk, will I delete the MacOS installation software inside the SSD?

I don't have personal files in that computer. I just used it to connect to the internet and browsed some websites. I certainly want to remove those records and info/password about my router and IPS.


Thanks

 

[Longkeg]

Hello, I am returning the computer to Apple. From the following site, I can use Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R. Which one should I use?

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204904

If I erase the startup disk, will I delete the MacOS installation software inside the SSD?

I don't have personal files in that computer. I just used it to connect to the internet and browsed some websites. I certainly want to remove those records and info/password about my router and IPS.


Thanks

I’m assuming you’re returning it and never plan to see it again..... As long as it boots up I doubt Apple will care if it has he latest OS. Return it in as close to factory original condition as possible, which would mean the OS that shipped with the unit. Apple will re-image the drive as part of their refurb process anyway. Erasing the start up volume shouldn’t affect the recovery volume but even if it does (which it won’t) you can always do a net recovery from the web.

 

[hajime]

Even Apple will re-image the drive, is it still better to reinstall the OS? I guess the most the bad guy can steal is my wifi router info and password along with password which I entered to log in to the computer. (I typed the one I use for real by mistake.)

Except for the screen, light weight and ability to drive 4K display, compared with my MBP 2010, I don't find anything good about this MBP 2017. Many nice features were removed. It is like a toy.

 

[Longkeg]

Even Apple will re-image the drive, is it still better to reinstall the OS? I guess the most the bad guy can steal is my wifi router info and password along with password which I entered to log in to the computer. (I typed the one I use for real by mistake.)

If all you’re worried about are passwords, which can and should be changed anyway, I wouldn’t bother with a full reinstall. Instead, I would:

Just before returning the computer.... Create a new, generic Admin user account in the Users & Groups pane in System Preferences. Do this while disconnected from any network if you don’t want router info stored.

Once created log into this new account.

Now delete the old account where your info was stored. This should be enough to keep the average snooper from stumbling on your info. It won’t stop the NSA, FSA or CIA from finding it (as it’s still hidden somewhere on your hard drive) but chances are they already have your info if they are really interested in you.

 

[hajime]

If all you’re worried about are passwords, which can and should be changed anyway, I wouldn’t bother with a full reinstall. Instead, I would:

Just before returning the computer.... Create a new, generic Admin user account in the Users & Groups pane in System Preferences. Do this while disconnected from any network if you don’t want router info stored.

Once created log into this new account.

Now delete the old account where your info was stored. This should be enough to keep the average snooper from stumbling on your info. It won’t stop the NSA, FSA or CIA from finding it (as it’s still hidden somewhere on your hard drive) but chances are they already have your info if they are really interested in you.

Thanks. That is a good idea. If my MBP 2010 were not dying and it could support 4K, I would not waste any time on the MBP 2018. This generation is not my cup of tea.

 

[hajime]

If I typed in the password I usually use but not intended on this MBP 2017 by mistake, does the computer record it?

 

[Longkeg]

Could you be over thinking this just a little bit?

 

[chrfr]

If I typed in the password I usually use but not intended on this MBP 2017 by mistake, does the computer record it?

no.

 

[hajime]

Could you be over thinking this just a little bit?

Perhaps