Upgrading and selling the MacBook, how to clean install Lion and iLife

data transferinstallupgrade

I have a Unibody MacBook (late 2008) which shipped with Leopard (specs here).

When I sell it, I know I can move my data and settings to my new Laptop through Migration Assistant; for the new owner, I'd like to wipe everything except the standard software (plus all updates).

Given that the machine's original OS and install disks were 10.5.5 and iLife '09, what do I have to do sell it with Lion?

A) Just wipe everything except standard OS X apps + iLife?

or

B) Make a Lion USB drive (and give it to the buyer), and do and erase and install (or equivalent)

And if B) – How do I get iLife on there?

Best Answer

If you want to sell your machine but also include installed software, there is a way to set this up that will ensure none of your personal data is on the machine, as well as provide a better box opening experience for your buyer.

  • I would suggest doing a secure erase of your hard disk first. Then, install Lion.

  • Configure a dummy user account named "test" or "admin" or something generic

  • Install the software you want to include

  • Restart your machine in Single User mode by holding ⌘ + S on startup.

  • Very carefully, do the following:

mount -uw / (This mounts the root volume so you can make changes to it.

rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone (This removes the flag that tells Setup Assistant that it's done)

rm /var/db/dslocal/nodes/Default/users/"shortname".plist (Replace "shortname" with the user account name you set up before. This removes the user plist)

rm -rf /Users/shortname (Replace "shortname" with the user account name you set up before. This removes the User directory)

rm -rf /Library/Preferences (This resets preferences)

shutdown -r now (This restarts the computer)

Verify that your machine starts up to the Setup Assistant and you're done. That way, your buyer can start up the machine to the Setup Assistant and still retain the software you want to provide them with.

Good luck.

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