How to Format a Mac Computer
Formatting a Mac computer is a relatively easy procedure with one caveat: doing so will completely erase your Mac and all its contents. Sometimes it's necessary to format your Mac, especially if you are experiencing problems with your system, if your preferences become corrupt or you are selling your computer. Back up all data that you wish to keep before you format your Mac and you can have a fresh, clean computer in no time.
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Instructions
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Insert the "Install OSX" disk into the drive, and start up your Mac, holding down the "C" key until it starts up.
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Select "Open Disk Utility" from the menu when the installer menu appears. Note the hard drives and volumes or disks in the left side of the pane. Select the Mac's hard drive by clicking on it.
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Click on the "Erase" tab in the right pane of the window. Select "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" from the "Volume Format" menu. Select the "Name" field and type in the name that the hard drive will be called after the formatting is completed. Alternately, select "MS DOS File System" to format the hard disk for Windows.
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Verify "Security Options" by choosing the method you wish to erase or zero out the data. Click "OK" and then "Erase." Confirm that you want to erase.
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Tips & Warnings
You will have to reinstall the OSX system after this procedure.
Back up your computer to an external hard drive or other external media before you attempt to format your Mac. This process will completely erase your hard drive and all of its contents permanently.
References
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