Mac Mini Data Reset?

Question

I'm about give my friend my old mac mini and i have some stuff on my computer like private files and passwords

Is there a way I can reset it so the mac can be registered under his name and all my files and information will be deleted

by the way the computer is running on leopard

Answer 1

Step 1: Backup all the data that you need. You mentioned you have some private files on that Mac Mini. Connect an external USB disk or keydrive and copy the files across in the Finder.

Step 2: Take the "Recovery" or "OS X Install" DVD that came with the Mac Mini and put it in the drive. Restart the computer and keep the "C" key held down on the keyboard. This will force the computer to boot from the DVD drive. Once the computer starts to boot, stop holding down the C key.

Step 3: You should now be in the OSX Install / Recovery program (depending on which DVD you have). Look in the menu bar at the top. You should see an menu "Installer". Select: Installer -> Open Disk Utility.

Step4: Format (erase) your disk, following the tutorial here:

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/par...

Step 5: Reboot with the Installation DVD, as in Step 2, and now install OS X following the on-screen instructions.

Hope this helps,

Tarik