How to Reset an Apple Mac Book

There are times when your Mac may appear sluggish and does not perform operations as expected. You may also have many programs on you computer that you no longer need or want. Resetting your MacBook to factory settings will remove all those programs and reset your system to what it was when it came out of the box from the factory. Resetting also could mean losing all your files and personal information, so back up to an external device anything you wish to keep.

Instructions

1. Back up your information to an external storage device such as an external hard drive or a flash drive. The install process allows you to transfer current files to a fresh operating system install, but it is always best to be prepared with a backup of your files in case something goes wrong.

2. Insert the first install CD or DVD of the operating system software.

3. Restart your MacBook or MacBook Pro. Immediately hold down the "C" key as the computer reboots. This will cause your MacBook to boot from the CD or DVD you inserted.

4. Pick a language. It may also ask you to agree to the terms and conditions of the software installation. Depending upon which version of the operating system you are using, you might see the software perform several checks on your system. If you do not see this, do not worry.

5. Choose where to install the operating system. You're most likely going to select your primary hard drive. If you have one or more partitions on your hard drive, you can select any of them as long as they are large enough.

6. Choose your install. You'll be presented with three options: "Upgrade," "Archive and Install," and "Erase and Install."

   Choose "Update" to simply update the current operating system on your MacBook. All your data, files and programs will remain intact.

   Choose "Archive and Install" if you need to back up all the data on your system and import it into a fresh install of the software. You will need to reinstall much of your non-Apple software if you choose this option.

   Pick "Erase and Install" if you want to erase everything on your hard drive and install a fresh version of the operating system. None of your data will remain if you pick this option. This is effectively a factory reset of your MacBook, as none of your personal settings or data will remain.

7. Choose the right setting. If you choose "Archive and Install," be sure to check the box to preserve your user and network settings. This will ensure your previous profile data is installed in the new software installation. Select your option and click "OK."

8. You may be prompted along the way with a few questions, but the install should be mostly automatic. When the install is complete, your MacBook will restart.

9. If you chose "Upgrade" or "Archive and Install," the software will prompt you to migrate your old data to the new system. Follow the instructions to ensure your old settings and programs are transferred to the fresh install of the software.

Tips & Warnings

• This article applies only to installations of OS X. Your particular situation may be different. If you experience difficulty installing the software, call support or another professional.

References

• Apple: Intel-Based Apple Portables -- Troubleshooting a Computer That Will Not Power On

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Apple: Leopard 10.5
• Apple: Tiger 10.4
• Apple: Panther 10.3
• Apple: Jaguar 10.2