Rebuilding Your Non-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 that were not purchased from Cavalier Computers through the DCI program. People with 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 irretrievably 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 backups page this page for advice on backing up your files.
  2. Gather together all the resources you will need to rebuild your system:
    • Mac OS X Install Discs if your system has them. If not, you will need the Mac OS X Install Disc and all the application installation discs that came with your computer.
    • 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. Call tech support for your computer's manufacturer or for the company that sold you the computer. Ask them to walk you through the process of wiping your hard drive and installing Mac Operating System, all the device drivers and applications that came with the computer. ITC's Help Desk cannot help you with this.
  5. If your computer already has AntiVirus software on it, confirm that you are not connected to the network and then uninstall your AntiVirus software. Personal computers cannot tolerate having two different antivirus programs installed and even though Norton Antivirus and Symantec Antivirus are both written by the same company, installing one over the other on the same computer creates serious problems. Make sure there is no antivirus software on your computer before attempting the next step of these instructions.
  6. You can install free Symantec Antivirus from ITC. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

© 2009 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

The information contained on the University of Virginia’s Department of Information Technology and Communication (ITC) website is provided as a public service with the understanding that ITC makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information, including warrantees of title, non-infringement of copyright or patent rights of others. These pages are expected to represent the University of Virginia community and the State of Virginia in a professional manner in accordance with the University of Virginia’s Computing Policies.