Rebuilding Your DCI Mac OS 10.5 & 10.4 Computer

[Nov 23, 2009 14:09] Web access to Microsoft Live@edu accounts now works.

These instructions detail how to erase your hard drive and start over for Mac computers purchased from Cavalier Computers through the DCI (Desktop Computer Initiative) program. People with non-DCI computers should view alternate instructions

Required before you begin:

  • All of the discs that came with your computer when it was purchased
  • Installers for any software that you have added since purchasing this computer
  • Access to a working computer to download necessary files you will burn to CD or copy to other removable media (e.g. USB FLASH drive, external hard drive)
  • A printed copy of these directions
  • Two to three hours of your time

Warning: All files currently on your hard drive will definitely be irrevocably destroyed as part of this process. You need to back up all files of any value to the UVa Home Directory Service or to removable media as directed at the beginning of these instructions.

The Ultimate Computer Cleanup: Wiping Clean and Starting Over

  1. Back up every file on your hard drive that you care about. See our backup page for advice on backing up your files.
  2. Gather together all the resources you will need to rebuild your system:
    • DCI System Restore Discs ( white CD) -- Contact the ITC Help Desk if you have lost these discs or have questions.
    • Mac OS X Install Discs (Two gray CDs).
    • If your system has a printer, you'll need the printer's software CD.
    • Installers for any software that you have added since purchasing this computer
  3. Disconnect all cables and devices except for your AC power supply. It is important to connect to AC power. It is especially important to disconnect Ethernet and all USB-connected printers.
  4. Place your Mac OS X Install disc in your CD/DVD drive and shut down your computer.
  5. As you restart your computer hold down the 'C' key as the computer starts up.
  6. Continue to hold the 'C' down. The Apple symbol will appear along with the spinning wheel then a blue screen. (Note: You can release the 'C' key once the spinning wheel appears.)
  7. "Choose a language" screen, select Use English for the main language click the arrow button.
  8. "Welcome" screen, click the Continue button.
  9. "License Agreement" screen, click the Agree button.
  10. "Select a Destination" screen, select Macintosh HD icon.
  11. Click the Options button.
  12. There are three options to choose. At this point we recommend the first option Erase and Install.
    1. Erase and Install
    2. Archive and Install and Preserve Users and Network Settings.
    3. Archive and Install.
  13. Select Erase and Install button.
  14. "Format disk as" select Mac OS Extended (Journaled), click the OK button.
  15. Select the Macintosh HD icon, click the Continue button.
  16. Click the Install button, then click the Continue Installation button.
  17. "Checking Installation DVD" click the Skip button.
  18. The Installing page will appear.
  19. Once the first disc is completed the computer will restart, then eject the first disc and ask to Insert the "Mac OS X Install Disc 2 to continue" installation.
  20. The Installing page will appear.
  21. "Installation is Complete" screen, click Continue button.
  22. "Welcome" screen select United States, click Continue button.
  23. "Select Your Keyboard" screen, select U.S., click Continue button.
  24. "Do You Already Own a Mac?" screen, check 'Do not transfer my information now' button, then click Continue button.
  25. "Enter Your Apple ID" screen, if you have an Apple ID and password you can enter it or leave Apple ID and Password blank and click Continue button.
  26. "Registration Information" screen, fill out the information and click Continue button.
  27. "A Few More Questions" screen, select the information and click Continue button.
  28. "Create Your Account" screen:
    1. Enter your name in the Name field.
    2. Enter your UVA ID (example: mst3k) in the Short Name fields.
    3. Enter password that you will remember, click Continue button.
  29. "Select a Picture For This Account" screen, choose a picture and click Continue button.
  30. "Try MobileMe Free", select I don't want to try MobileMe for free right now and click Continue button.
  31. "Thank You" screen, click Go button.
  32. Connect to the Internet via a wired Ethernet connection.
  33. As soon as the network connection is functional, run Software Updates from the Apple icon>Software Updates, select Install and Restart button.
  34. Insert the Mac DCI Custom Restore Disc into the CD/DVD drive.
  35. Double click on the DCI Restore Installer Package and follow the instructions.
  36. Once installation is completed you will be asked to Restart your computer, click the Restart button.
  37. Eject the Mac DCI Custom Restore Disc.
  38. If there is a Technical Support for DCI Computers.webloc icon on the desktop double click on it for additional information.
  39. Open a Microsoft Office application (ex: Word) and follow the instructions for activating MS Office.
  40. Check the version number of the antivirus software on your computer. If you are using Symantec Antivirus version 9 or earlier:
    1. Uninstall both Symantec Antivirus and Symantec Solutions from Applications.
    2. From Software Central install the current version of Symantec Antivirus for your Mac OS. When it is completed, run LiveUpdate to get the most current virus definitions.
  41. If you have a printer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the printer software. If you don't have the instructions handy, go online and look up the instructions on the manufacturer's web site for your printer model or call the 800 number which should be located on the printer or manufacturer's web site. Failure to follow manufacturer's instructions for installing printer software will likely cause problems with your printer's functionality.
  42. Reinstall any software you've added to your computer since you purchased it. Avoid free software loaded with spyware like Limewire and iMesh. There is no such problem with music purchasing software like iTunes or the new Napster.
  43. Before restoring your data files to your computer run Symantec AntiVirus on them. Once completed you can safely restore your data files.

For the future: You'll be using a computer for many years. Eventually, you will lose the contents of your hard drive. The only dependable alternative to losing your files with it is to back up your files to media that won't perish with your hard drive. See our recommendations for backing up your data.

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