Prepressforums.com

dlw2x2 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 07:03 AM

I am getting ready to sell my ibook. What is the best way to clean the harddrive?

Should I reformat the harddrive and clean install the system from the original disks?

Will this erase all the information on the harddrive? Not that there is anything bad on the computer, but I don't want to "give" away any software or personal information.

I am thinking of selling the ibook on ebay and/or the local newspaper. I want to make sure that everything is off the computer except the operating system.

Thanks,
D

NutCase · #2 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 07:11 AM

I'd reformat the drive and select the option to zero all data or whatever it's called these days. Start from the OS X install CD and open disc utility (from the menu bar after you click continue). In there you'll be able to reformat and select the write zero's option. It's going to take a while... a few hours depending on the size of the hard drive.

When you're done, reinstall OS X (or do a restore) from the iBook CDs. Optionally update OS X if you have the update handy on a CD or flash drive or something.

That's what I would do if it were me.

Jezza · #3 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 07:33 AM

You might want tocheck this links aswell about deauthourizing i-tunes

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=165204

prepress_brillance_43 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 08:03 AM

hey dlw2x2, how much are you asking for it?... I might be interested if it is reasonable..

what all does it have as far as RAM and HD space?

mattbeals · #5 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 08:07 AM

You definitely want to deauthorize your iTunes.

As for wiping the drive, forget wiping with zero's. You want to securely erase the drive. Boot up off the CD (if you have 10.4.x) and use the "secure erase" feature. If you have a 10.4x machine somewhere plug in the iBook so it acts like a FW hard drive. Then use the "secure erase" feature. You can pick three modes I think it is. Level 1 - randon erase, Level 2 - US DoD 7 pass secure erase, Level 3 - Gutmann algorithm 35 pass secure erase. Obviously the more passes the longer it takes. But with L1 or L2, there won't be anything for anyone (as a practical matter for those non NSA types) to read. If you're especially paranoid (what was that Mel Gibson movie) and want to make sure it's ALL gone you can use the L3 option. Of cousrse at that point you may just want to buy a new drive and find a nice big ol'e magnet and sledge hammer for the old one.

As an aside, you can "clean" you freespace in a smilar fashion after emptying the trash and cache's by going into terminal and:

diskutil secureErase freespace 3 /
(always check the man pages first, don't blame me if you accidentally wipe your drive(s))

That will target ONLY the freespace on your boot volume.

NutCase · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 08:45 AM

Thank you matt.... secure erase was the option I was talking about but couldn't remember what they called it now (hence my "or whatever it's called these days" comment).

dlw2x2 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 11:37 AM

Hey 43...

The OS I have for it is 10.2 ( I will do all the updates after I re-format the harddrive) to get it to 10.2.8

It has 256 mgs of ram and a 20 gig harddrive. I will double check all the specs when I get home tonight. I also have a usb cordless mouse for it.

As for price I was thinking 600? Does that sound fair? I have never had any problems with it at all and it is in what I would consider mint condition.

If you would like, I can take some pix of it tonight and post them or email them to anyone interested.

D

prepress_brillance_43 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 11:54 AM

let me talk it over with the mrs. and I'll PM you. and I'd love to see it, if you want to post a couple shots... did you have production software(CS or CS2) on it?.. if so how'd it run with that kinda bulk?.. how easy is it to upgrade RAM in the iBook??... I think I would want more than 256MB.. I'll PM you later.

dlw2x2 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 06:55 PM

I don't have a clue how to put an image in here, so if anyone wants to see the pictures, just let me know.

Sorry

D

FreeFrag · #10 (**permalink**) 01-04-2006, 07:43 AM

Upload pictures to ImageShack and use any of the IMG codes they give you on the page after the upload.

$600 doesn't sound too bad so far. Other specs? Processor, video card?

Also, additional RAM isn't as easy to install as it is on a tower if you're installing in a laptop.