Formatting my MacBook Pro (how to?)

Saladsamurai

So I did some looking around and it looks like in order to reset my MBP to its factory settings, I have to use the disk that came with it.

I looked in the box that my MacBook came in and all I have is two disks: parts 1 and 2 of OS X installation. Is that what they mean? Do I just put these in (one at a time obviously) and away we go?

Also, if I have programs that I no longer have the registration keys for, is it possible to save them? Or is that a silly question?

Thanks,
Casey

Greg Bernhardt

Just contact support for the programs you lost the keys for, they can bring up your records.

Reinstalling OSX will give you clean slate with all default settings. All data will be lost though unless you back up the files on cd etc.

cristo

Agreed.

Just out of curiosity, why do you feel you need to reset your MBP? There could be a fix, if you're having problems.

But yes, to answer your question, just put in the installation disks.

Saladsamurai

I have only had it for a couple of years (at most) but I feel like it does not run nearly as "strongly" as it should. These are supposed to be soooo great for running multiple applications at once, but I have yet to see it. It makes me wonder if I have done something to it that is screwing it up.

Everytime I need to open a file or something, if I don't have the necessary software to do so I just start downloading away with no regard to where this stuff is coming from.

I have it in my head "Macs don't get viruses....so what to I care..."

I am under the impression that this thing is invincible....but I should know better.