Mac forums I need your help!

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I am selling my macbook to upgrade to a very sweet iMac and I need some advice. Reformatting is not an option so what is a good checklist of files I should purge/delete to protect my information from the new owner?
 

cwa107


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Create a new account. Then, delete the old account(s) and home folder(s). That should do it, unless you're paranoid (it's always possible to undelete files, unless you do a secure erase).
 
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Create a new account. Then, delete the old account(s) and home folder(s). That should do it, unless you're paranoid (it's always possible to undelete files, unless you do a secure erase).

Thanks. What is it you mean by home folders?
 

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When you delete the account it will give you the option to delete the user's home folder, effectively deleting all of that user's documents, movies, music, and all other personal settings.
 
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When you delete the account it will give you the option to delete the user's home folder, effectively deleting all of that user's documents, movies, music, and all other personal settings.

Will the programs that I've installed be removed as well? That's why I can't reformat. The deal is contingent on a few pricey programs I have installed still being around, but won't be giving up the cdees for.
 

cwa107


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Will the programs that I've installed be removed as well? That's why I can't reformat. The deal is contingent on a few pricey programs I have installed still being around, but won't be giving up the cdees for.

You are not legally allowed to sell that machine without providing the original install media and serial numbers. Any applications that you can not provide the original media and serial numbers for should be deleted.
 
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You are not legally allowed to sell that machine without providing the original install media and serial numbers. Any applications that you can not provide the original media and serial numbers for should be deleted.

I don't even have my MacOS cdees that came from Futureshop when I bought the macbook and you're saying because of that my transaction is illegal? lol
 

cwa107


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I don't even have my MacOS cdees that came from Futureshop when I bought the macbook and you're saying because of that my transaction is illegal? lol

You should have been provided with 2 System Discs as part of the original purchase, but since every Mac comes with OS X, the license is tied to your hardware. It would be OK to sell it without the discs.

But, let's say for example, that you have Microsoft Office installed on there, but you don't have the discs or serial numbers. It would be legally questionable to leave that software installed - particularly if you do indeed have the discs and intend to install them on another machine.
 
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You should have been provided with 2 System Discs as part of the original purchase, but since every Mac comes with OS X, the license is tied to your hardware. It would be OK to sell it without the discs.

But, let's say for example, that you have Microsoft Office installed on there, but you don't have the discs or serial numbers. It would be legally questionable to leave that software installed - particularly if you do indeed have the discs and intend to install them on another machine.

I suppose that's true. But it was also technically illegal that I downloaded an mp3 last night and streamed a movie online. heh

Anyway, I see your point. Thanks for the advice.
 

cwa107


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I suppose that's true. But it was also technically illegal that I downloaded an mp3 last night and streamed a movie online. heh

Anyway, I see your point. Thanks for the advice.

Do note that our forum rules (link in my signature) prohibit the discussion of illegal activity.
 

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