Need to format a mac without a screen

wadavison · wadavison #1 (**permalink**)

05-09-2011, 03:44 AM

So, my old macbook has a cracked screen (bummer). Got a new MBP instead which is great fun. I want to format the macbook, but I cant see anything cos the screen is [messed up]. I've been fiddling with screen sharing to try and format using my MBP; but every time I restart the old macbook to start from os x disk, it fails to connect to screen sharing and I cant go any further.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Also, I am aware that I could get apple to fix this for me, but its a matter of pride.

Glitch89 · Glitch89 #2 (**permalink**)

05-09-2011, 04:26 AM

Try doing the same thing using your new macbook as a guide. but dont actually format the new one unless u need to. lol. that about it...

BUT usually if u connect a external monitor, it should detect it and use it.. then try shutting the lid and then using a wireless mouse, it should wake up and go directly to the external monitor.

MacsWork · MacsWork #3 (**permalink**)

05-09-2011, 07:42 AM

How about Target Disk Mode?

How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode

mrplow · mrplow #4 (**permalink**)

05-09-2011, 08:35 AM

Or taking the disk out, putting it into an enclosure and formatting it on your new Mac.

But connecting it to an external display is the best way to go.

I'm intrigued about why you want to format it.....

wadavison · wadavison #5 (**permalink**)

05-09-2011, 08:53 AM

Thanks for the advice guys, cant afford an external display at the moment. So am kinda stuck. The reason for formatting is because I'm going to hand down my computer to my mum who has no idea about computers; and I figure it's easier to wipe the whole thing than have her asking questions about old software and what not...such a pain, never should have introduced her to technology!

wadavison · wadavison #6 (**permalink**)

05-09-2011, 08:54 AM

Will go and buy a firewire cable tomorrow and do it that way

wadavison #1 (permalink)
Member Since: May 09, 2011 Posts: 6	05-09-2011, 03:44 AM So, my old macbook has a cracked screen (bummer). Got a new MBP instead which is great fun. I want to format the macbook, but I cant see anything cos the screen is [messed up]. I've been fiddling with screen sharing to try and format using my MBP; but every time I restart the old macbook to start from os x disk, it fails to connect to screen sharing and I cant go any further. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, I am aware that I could get apple to fix this for me, but its a matter of pride. Last edited by wadavison; 05-09-2011 at 04:54 AM.
	QUOTE Thanks

mrplow #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 01, 2007 Location: UK Posts: 5,353 Mac Specs: 27" iMac i7 (2011), iPhone5, iPad3, AppleTV2	05-09-2011, 08:35 AM Or taking the disk out, putting it into an enclosure and formatting it on your new Mac. But connecting it to an external display is the best way to go. I'm intrigued about why you want to format it..... External hard disk acquisition addict - but admitting the problem is the first step to a robust backup Please use the reputation system if you think you've been helped - top right of this post
	QUOTE Thanks

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Glitch89 #2 (permalink)
Member Since: May 09, 2011 Posts: 6	05-09-2011, 04:26 AM Try doing the same thing using your new macbook as a guide. but dont actually format the new one unless u need to. lol. that about it... BUT usually if u connect a external monitor, it should detect it and use it.. then try shutting the lid and then using a wireless mouse, it should wake up and go directly to the external monitor.
	QUOTE Thanks

wadavison #5 (permalink)
Member Since: May 09, 2011 Posts: 6	05-09-2011, 08:53 AM Thanks for the advice guys, cant afford an external display at the moment. So am kinda stuck. The reason for formatting is because I'm going to hand down my computer to my mum who has no idea about computers; and I figure it's easier to wipe the whole thing than have her asking questions about old software and what not...such a pain, never should have introduced her to technology!
	QUOTE Thanks

wadavison #6 (permalink)
Member Since: May 09, 2011 Posts: 6	05-09-2011, 08:54 AM Will go and buy a firewire cable tomorrow and do it that way
	QUOTE Thanks

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