Computer help again?

[PennLady]

As always, I'm happy to take this to PMs or email.

I have a MacBook Air that I need to wipe the hard drive on. This is slightly complicated by the fact that my daughter spilled water on it and now the monitor isn't back lit. I can, however, use bright lights to see the screen.

I attempted to follow some directions today about wiping the drive, but was met with an error -- could not mount drive -- when I tried to erase.

The computer has OS 10.8.5 on it. If anyone could help with this, I'd appreciate it. I'd like to wipe it and see if I could sell it for parts. Aside from that, and I think a low battery (doesn't seem to hold a charge long), the machine works.

 

[Handley_Page]

As always, I'm happy to take this to PMs or email.

I have a MacBook Air that I need to wipe the hard drive on. This is slightly complicated by the fact that my daughter spilled water on it and now the monitor isn't back lit. I can, however, use bright lights to see the screen.

I attempted to follow some directions today about wiping the drive, but was met with an error -- could not mount drive -- when I tried to erase.

The computer has OS 10.8.5 on it. If anyone could help with this, I'd appreciate it. I'd like to wipe it and see if I could sell it for parts. Aside from that, and I think a low battery (doesn't seem to hold a charge long), the machine works.

If the hard drive is removable, take it out and install it in the new machine.

[memo to self; do Not get a Mac.
They're the ones who said keyboards were 'coffee & coke proof'.]
<giggle>

 

[PennLady]

If the hard drive is removable, take it out and install it in the new machine.

[memo to self; do Not get a Mac.
They're the ones who said keyboards were 'coffee & coke proof'.]
<giggle>

It's not removable, not without more tools than I have.

I never believed a keyboard was liquid proof. But the machine is great.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

See with Windows that would be a simple command...Format C:

Maybe the reason the disk won't mount is because it is erased?

 

[PennLady]

See with Windows that would be a simple command...Format C:

Maybe the reason the disk won't mount is because it is erased?

Nope, it hasn't been, as far as I can tell. When I go into Finder, I see folders and such. I've deleted as much as I can and uninstalled stuff and I didn't keep sensitive stuff on there for the most part. I didn't save passwords for my bank site, for example. I think right now it's as clean as I can get it without wiping it.

Hmm. There's got to be a way. It'd be easier if the screen was more visible. However, if I could see the screen, I wouldn't be having a problem...

 

[Handley_Page]

I take it that it is not worth the price of a repair ?

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Nope, it hasn't been, as far as I can tell. When I go into Finder, I see folders and such. I've deleted as much as I can and uninstalled stuff and I didn't keep sensitive stuff on there for the most part. I didn't save passwords for my bank site, for example. I think right now it's as clean as I can get it without wiping it.

Hmm. There's got to be a way. It'd be easier if the screen was more visible. However, if I could see the screen, I wouldn't be having a problem...

So what you are planning is to, I assume you brought the insurance against things going wrong like dunking it in water, return it and get a replacement?

Getting rid of the folders that store your stories and clear you browser history and any other incriminating things you think a tech who is refurbishing your Air Book might try to find...he won't look, he has a job to do that isn't looking at the drive, just reformat it and load the operating system back on.

That's all he cares about.

He may, just for giggles, look for naked pictures of you...so give him a thrill and leave a pic of some guys cock on there.

 

[StrangeLife]

- If you haven't "emptied" your trash-folder yet, do so by using the option in Finder called "Secure Empty Trash". It will eradicate the content of your trash quite efficiently and over-write it a few times.

- In order to make it harder for the new owner to restore files that have already been deleted in the conventional way, fire up your disk utilities, select the "erase" tab and do the "erase free space" thing.... if you can. This option might not be available, if you have a newer model with SSD (Apple doesn't think it's necessary because SSD's doesn't retain residual images of deleted files in the same way that a magnetic platter does).

- Finally format the disk and re-install OSX. Reboot while holding down the Command (⌘) and R keys... then select "disk utility". Or in the words of Apple:

Use these steps if you need to erase a disk before installing OS X:

- Before you begin, you need to be connected to the Internet.
- Choose Apple menu > Restart, and then hold down the Command (⌘) and R keys while the computer restarts.
- Select “Disk Utility,” and then click Continue.
- Select your startup disk from the list on the left, and then click the Erase tab.
- From the Format pop-up menu, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled), type a name for your disk, and then click Erase.
- After the disk has been erased, choose Disk Utility > Quit Disk Utility.
- If you’re not connected to the Internet, choose a network from the Wi-Fi menu in the right corner of the menu bar (in the top-right corner of the screen).
- Select Reinstall Mac OS X, click Continue, and then follow the instructions.

After that, you should have a system that looks like factory default, and recovering your old files will be a serious challenge that few amateurs would be capable of undertaking.

However if you are very paranoid and crave NSA level protection, you have no other option than physically destroying the drive and selling your Mac without one (many companies do it that way). But the question is, is your stuff really that attractive to a third person?

To remove the drive, you can find instructions here...


I am not sure what that "mount-problem" is.... have you tried a couple of times? Maybe the machine was in a weird state last time.

 

[PennLady]

I take it that it is not worth the price of a repair ?

Not really. I took it to the Apple Store after it first happened and basically they'd replace the motherboard (or whatever the hell they call it now) and that was about $750 -- which, I have to say, is less than a new computer costs although not by a whole lot. But the water voided the warranty of course, so that was no good.

I was helped by a friend of ours; he generously loaned us the money to buy me a new (refurbished) computer, and then when I sell this old one, I will give him whatever I get for it.

So what you are planning is to, I assume you brought the insurance against things going wrong like dunking it in water, return it and get a replacement?

I did get a replacement computer -- this happened months ago -- and it has a warranty, but it doesn't cover the things that generally happen, as is the case with so many warranties.

Getting rid of the folders that store your stories and clear you browser history and any other incriminating things you think a tech who is refurbishing your Air Book might try to find...he won't look, he has a job to do that isn't looking at the drive, just reformat it and load the operating system back on.

That's all he cares about.

He may, just for giggles, look for naked pictures of you...so give him a thrill and leave a pic of some guys cock on there.

LOL Interesting idea. I'll take it under advisement.

And it will take more than just reformatting the drive -- the fuse for the monitor backlight is out. So the machine works, but you can't see the screen well. I have a bright light that helps, and depending on what I'm doing I can do a screen share and operate the old computer via my current one. Of course I can't do that for the reformatting b/c all that takes place before my computer is on the network, which is why I need the light to see the monitor.

I posted this question on an Apple board, too. I think I may try one more time by selecting a slightly different option from the Disk Utility. Based on the instructions I had, I was selecting a line above where it says "Macintosh HD," but I'm thinking I'll try again and select the "Macintosh HD" line.

As for my current precautions, I have a Moshi keyboard cover, and I mostly use a covered cup to drink out of and put it a distance from the computer. it's worked so far.

I really love this computer. Mr Penn has no desire to switch to Mac, but I'd be bummed if I had to go back to a PC.

 

[PennLady]

After that, you should have a system that looks like factory default, and recovering your old files will be a serious challenge that few amateurs would be capable of undertaking.

However if you are very paranoid and crave NSA level protection, you have no other option than physically destroying the drive and selling your Mac without one (many companies do it that way). But the question is, is your stuff really that attractive to a third person?

Thanks.

I'm not interested in recovering files, so that's one less step. This happened months ago, and I was using an external HD for my Time Machine backups, so when I got a new computer I simply restored from that. I'm not looking for high level protection, I'm just trying to be as smart as I can about it.

And thanks for the instructions on removal, too. I still don't think I have the tools. I bought the correct type of screwdriver back when it happened, and Mr Penn and I took off the back cover only to be met with... more covers and screws in different sizes that we couldn't remove.

I am not sure what that "mount-problem" is.... have you tried a couple of times? Maybe the machine was in a weird state last time.

I'm not either and I did try twice on this. However I'm going to try again, as I said in my previous post, and choose a slightly different option under the Disk Utility Erase menu. I figure even if it doesn't work I won't be worse off than I am now.

 

[PennLady]

Update: selecting that option seems to have worked. I tried to reinstall the OS X, but it's telling me I can't because I'm not connected to the internet. Well of course I'm not, it never gave me the option and our network is secure.

I actually suppose that doesn't matter so much. So long as the drive's been erased, someone else could install the OS.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

And it will take more than just reformatting the drive -- the fuse for the monitor backlight is out. So the machine works, but you can't see the screen well. I have a bright light that helps, and depending on what I'm doing I can do a screen share and operate the old computer via my current one. Of course I can't do that for the reformatting b/c all that takes place before my computer is on the network, which is why I need the light to see the monitor.

I posted this question on an Apple board, too. I think I may try one more time by selecting a slightly different option from the Disk Utility. Based on the instructions I had, I was selecting a line above where it says "Macintosh HD," but I'm thinking I'll try again and select the "Macintosh HD" line.

As for my current precautions, I have a Moshi keyboard cover, and I mostly use a covered cup to drink out of and put it a distance from the computer. it's worked so far.

I really love this computer. Mr Penn has no desire to switch to Mac, but I'd be bummed if I had to go back to a PC.

I was just explaining what happens after they fix the other parts that need fixing...when they refurbish a computer. The disk is always reformatted.

If you are just going to get it fixed...a fuse replacement shouldn't be that much...just delete private stuff should suffice.

 

[PennLady]

I was just explaining what happens after they fix the other parts that need fixing...when they refurbish a computer. The disk is always reformatted.

If you are just going to get it fixed...a fuse replacement shouldn't be that much...just delete private stuff should suffice.

When I took it to Apple to see about repairs, they'd only replace the logic board for about $750. They didn't offer -- perhaps I should have pushed it -- to repair any individual problem such as the fuse. I've been looking around online and think I may try to sell it on eBay. As far as I can tell, it works fine except for the monitor (which you can see if you put a light on it, although it's not great) and perhaps the battery.

I've seen a couple of places online that offer to buy your broken Mac, but I get the feeling they're like those companies that buy back old college textbooks. You pay $100, they'll offer you about $10 even if it's in great condition.

 

[Handley_Page]

Whoa - Hold Up.


I just realised that your local Apple Store is ripping you off right well; or gives every appearance thereof.
Have you asked what the motherboard problem actually IS ?
And have you asked them for a price to do the display backlight ?

From what you indicate, it would seem that the local Apple folks are not really interested in repairing a machine; merely changing the main board. I think you need to confirm that the problem really IS on the main board [on the other hand - WHY can it not be serviced ?]

I've use both Mac & PC. Of the two I'll have a PC.
Apple just want to rip their customers off.

 

[3113]

[memo to self; do Not get a Mac.
They're the ones who said keyboards were 'coffee & coke proof'.]
<giggle>

Um...I've had nothing but Macs and I don't remember them ever saying that. That's never been true. I'd be sad if I spilled anything on my keyboard and ruined my Mac, but I'd get another in a heartbeat if I did.

I'm an unashamed Mac cultist. I tried using other computers and hated, hated, hated their OS and cheap construction--and having to buy, buy, buy software that adds up to much more $$ than if I bought a Mac which comes with all the software I need included. That includes programs that often don't work together without more costly add-ons. Software for Mac always works seamlessly with the OS. Mac for me, always.

And I've never been ripped off by Apple. I always get the extended warranty, always get free repairs that more than make up for what I pay with that warranty. I replace my Macs after many more years than most PC users do--mine last and the software updates do not make last year's computer obsolete--and I always get good money when I finally sell the old products, as they hold their value long after other computers are being given away because no one is buying.

Now, can you get cheaper service than the Apple store if not under warranty or if the problem is you spilled coffee on it and that's not part of the warranty? No doubt. So. Go elsewhere in that case.

 

[PennLady]

Whoa - Hold Up.


I just realised that your local Apple Store is ripping you off right well; or gives every appearance thereof.
Have you asked what the motherboard problem actually IS ?
And have you asked them for a price to do the display backlight ?

From what you indicate, it would seem that the local Apple folks are not really interested in repairing a machine; merely changing the main board. I think you need to confirm that the problem really IS on the main board [on the other hand - WHY can it not be serviced ?]

I've use both Mac & PC. Of the two I'll have a PC.
Apple just want to rip their customers off.

Well, don't forget, water did spill onto and into the keyboard. It's not like the fuse just burnt out or something. There is some corrosion, they told me, and I'm not surprised. It may be that replacing the logic board *is* the best solution, given the corrosion and all. I don't know how familiar you are with MacAirs, but I have the 11" model, so it is small and all the pieces are verycloseetogether inside.

Apple does have some pros over PCs. You don't have to replace them as often, for one thing, and they don't slow down the way PCs do. It's easier to install and especially uninstall programs and apps, and I've rarely had a problem with detecting devices and finding drivers.

But I used PCs for ages and ages and I'm not trying to discount them or anything. I just like my Mac better.

 

[PennLady]

Um...I've had nothing but Macs and I don't remember them ever saying that. That's never been true. I'd be sad if I spilled anything on my keyboard and ruined my Mac, but I'd get another in a heartbeat if I did.

I'm an unashamed Mac cultist. I tried using other computers and hated, hated, hated their OS and cheap construction--and having to buy, buy, buy software that add up to much more $$ than if I bought a Mac which comes with all the software I need included. Mac for me, always.

And I've never been ripped off by Apple. I always get the extended warranty, always get free repairs that more than make up for what I pay with that warranty, and always get good money when I sell the old products, as they hold their value long after other computers are being given away because no one is buying.

Now, can you get cheaper service than the Apple store if not under warranty or if the problem is you spilled coffee on it and that's not part of the warranty? No doubt. So. Go elsewhere in that case.

I can't say I'm a Mac cultist but I definitely prefer Macs.

I got a warranty with my current computer, although not an extended one. I probably could have bought a warranty or insurance that would cover things like water. I wasn't entirely surprised when my warranty didn't cover it -- as I said, I generally find that warranties cover just about everything except what's most likely to happen.

As for selling old ones, I agree with you. I haven't done it but I've seen used ones online commanding decent prices, more than you could get for a PC. Even damaged Macs get some decent prices on places like eBay and that's likely what I'll do with this now that I've managed to wipe the drive.

 

[Handley_Page]

Ah, now I understand better.
Thanks