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Mac_in_Mass

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 13, 2023
3
0
I have a MacBook Pro 13" A1708 that's from my previous employer.

When I was upgrading in 2020 they said I could keep the older machine because they upgraded and were not using the A1708's anymore. I threw it in a drawer and forgot about it.

My dinosaur 2011 model just died so I grabbed the 13" and I can log on with my old login name and password, but it's still all locked up with the admin credentials, so I can't change preferences, wipe it, or anything.

I did not leave on good terms with the company and due to my disability discrimination lawsuit with them, I cannot reach out to ask them to wipe it for me. It has MDM software and I'm not sure of what else. Can someone give me a step-by-step to wipe it clean? Based on my other research it's not possible without the proper credentials so this might be a pipe dream.
 

diego.caraballo

macrumors 6502a
Oct 18, 2013
699
1,807
I have a MacBook Pro 13" A1708 that's from my previous employer.

When I was upgrading in 2020 they said I could keep the older machine because they upgraded and were not using the A1708's anymore. I threw it in a drawer and forgot about it.

My dinosaur 2011 model just died so I grabbed the 13" and I can log on with my old login name and password, but it's still all locked up with the admin credentials, so I can't change preferences, wipe it, or anything.

I did not leave on good terms with the company and due to my disability discrimination lawsuit with them, I cannot reach out to ask them to wipe it for me. It has MDM software and I'm not sure of what else. Can someone give me a step-by-step to wipe it clean? Based on my other research it's not possible without the proper credentials so this might be a pipe dream.
Question is, the machine is attached to an Apple ID other than ours? Or maybe enrolled in a MDM platform?
If the above is true, then you are out of luck.
If not, it's possible to erase a unlocked, not MDM-enrolled Mac without the admin password.
Start with CMD + R, you will be asked for the admin password.
"Don't remember" and it will offer the option to erase the Mac.
You need to be connected to the internet.

If the machine isn't locked on any way you will able to install macOS, otherwise it will ask for the Apple ID or MDM credentials and just become a paperweight.
 

Mac_in_Mass

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 13, 2023
3
0
Question is, the machine is attached to an Apple ID other than ours? Or maybe enrolled in a MDM platform?
If the above is true, then you are out of luck.
If not, it's possible to erase a unlocked, not MDM-enrolled Mac without the admin password.
Start with CMD + R, you will be asked for the admin password.
"Don't remember" and it will offer the option to erase the Mac.
You need to be connected to the internet.

If the machine isn't locked on any way you will able to install macOS, otherwise it will ask for the Apple ID or MDM credentials and just become a paperweight.
Thanks @diego.caraballo , if I use Cmd R I get a circle with a cross through it on a black screen
 

Mac_in_Mass

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 13, 2023
3
0
I found this in my archives. I've never even read it:
thanks. Command R does not work for me, i get a crossed out circle on a black screen, thanks!
 
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