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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Wipe Mac Hard Drive

modjt - Aug 11, 2005 - 8:06 pm

I have a G3 with Mac OS 10.2.
I want to donate the computer, only after wiping all files securely.
What free utilities are available to complete this process?

Cheryl - Aug 11, 2005 - 8:13 pm

Darrell,

The easiest way to prepare your computer for donation is to use the OS X CD.

Start up with the CD (insert CD, restart, immediately hold down the c key). Do not click on the installer screen. Instead go to the Installer Menu and select Disk Utility.
When that opens, click on the first hard drive icon in the side bar at the left, then click on the Erase tab.

Select Mac OS Extended for the format, and check mark the box next to install OS 9 drivers (just in case). Now click on the erase button.

When done, quit Disk Utility and continue with the install. You will need to restart and the setup assistant will come up. Just shut down the computer and it will be ready for the new owner.

Make sure you include the CDs that came with the computer - along with all the cords. A donated computer without all the parts is rather useless to the new owner.
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Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !

Cheryl

modjt - Aug 12, 2005 - 12:55 pm

Hi Cheryl:

I followed your instructions and the procedure worked perfectly.

Thanks,

Darrell

Cheryl - Aug 12, 2005 - 1:40 pm

Darrell,

Glad to be of help.
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Thank you for using MacOSX.com !

Cheryl