Formatting my MacBook Pro (how to?)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Saladsamurai
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of formatting a MacBook Pro (MBP) and resetting it to factory settings. Participants explore the necessary steps, including the use of installation disks, and address concerns about data loss and software registration keys. The conversation touches on both technical and conceptual aspects of system maintenance and troubleshooting.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Casey inquires about using the OS X installation disks to reset the MBP to factory settings and questions if these disks are sufficient for the process.
  • Some participants suggest contacting support for lost registration keys to recover access to programs.
  • There is a suggestion that reinstalling OS X will result in a clean slate but will also lead to data loss unless backups are made.
  • One participant questions Casey's need to reset the MBP, proposing that there may be alternative fixes for performance issues.
  • Casey expresses concerns about the MBP's performance and acknowledges potentially risky behavior regarding software downloads, reflecting a belief that Macs are immune to viruses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the use of installation disks for resetting the MBP and the importance of backing up data. However, there is no consensus on whether resetting is necessary, as some participants suggest exploring other solutions for performance issues.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the potential loss of data and the need for backups, but do not specify the methods for backing up or the implications of reinstalling the operating system. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the effectiveness of the suggested alternative fixes for performance issues.

Who May Find This Useful

Users seeking guidance on formatting MacBook Pro devices, those experiencing performance issues, and individuals needing assistance with software registration and data management.

Saladsamurai
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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:biggrin:) 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
 
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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.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
Just contact support for the programs you lost the keys for, they can bring up your records.

Agreed.

Saladsamurai said:
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.

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.
 
cristo said:
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.

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.
 

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