How to Clean Install OS X

1) To begin the Mac OS X Installation, insert the Install Disc that came with your Mac into the DVD drive.

2) A Window should automatically pop up with an icon to “Install Mac OS X and Bundled Software.” If this window does not appear, simply double click on Mac OS X Install Disc Icon on your desktop.

3) Click on “Install Mac OS X and Bundled Software” to initiate the installation.  Before installation begins, you will be prompted to restart your computer.

4) Once your computer restarts you will be greeted with a “Welcome to the Mac OS X Installer” screen.  Click Continue.

5) You will now be prompted to select the volume where you want to install Mac OS X.  If your hard drive is not partitioned, there should be only one option.  Otherwise, select your desired Partition. Before clicking continue, you want to make sure you have the right Installation Type selected. To do this, click “Options.”

6) There are three different types of installations that you can perform: Upgrade Mac OS X, Archive and Install, and Erase and Install.  To perform a clean install, select “Erase and Install” and click OK.

7) Click “Continue” and OS X will begin installing itself onto the selected volume on your hard drive.

8 ) After the Installation is finished your computer will reboot.

9) Setup Assistant will automatically start. Select your country/region and keyboard layout.

10) Setup Assistant will ask if you want to restore any user data from a back up source.  You can do this later if you’d like.

11) If you want, you can register your machine.

12) Create an Administrator Account by choosing a Name, Password, and Password Hint. It is highly recommended that you use a password as computer security is very important in our cyber world.  You may select a password hint which will appear if you continue to input the wrong password during log in.  A hint should not contain the clues to spell your password nor contain your actual password, but something that can jog your memory in case you mix up a couple passwords.  Click Next to continue.

13) Congratulations! Your installation process is now complete!  I recommend running Software Update immediately if not prompted to do so already.

For a detailed step-by-step guide of the OS X Installation with Screenshots, please download our PDF version here