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I'm selling my iMac, reinstalled Catalina,how do I do that without logging in with a user name?

I'm selling my iMac, reformatted it and reinstalled Catalina, now how can I get it setup again without logging in with a user name?or if I put in a user name, account name and set a password will they (whoever buys it) be able to change it all later if I give them all the info? I'd like to let them see the computer works well and the specs of machine! Need some help..Thanks!!


Posted on Mar 21, 2021 11:36 PM

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6 replies

Mar 22, 2021 12:10 AM in response to Jack-19

That's what I did but was hoping there was a way I could get into it enough so when they come by to see the computer I can show them it's what I said as far as the spec. and functioning as advertised. If I enter the info to get to the Catalina screen can they change that info without erasing and reinstalling again or not?

Mar 22, 2021 5:56 PM in response to naijhi

You can install macOS to an external drive if you want to show them the computer is working. Of course booting from an external drive may be slower than booting to the internal drive. Of course it doesn't 100% prove the internal drive is working correctly, but at least the main functionality of the iMac can be shown.

Mar 22, 2021 9:37 PM in response to naijhi

Here is a bit more involved method: install OS and set up a fake account with a simple password (such as 1 2 3 4 5). Boot it up and show it to the buyers.If they want to buy it, boot into recovery, launch Disk Utility and erase the drive. Then download the OS again, but this time, do not install/set it up. Shut down the Mac and they should be seeing the welcome screen when they boot it. That way they can set it up with their Apple ID and password.

I'm selling my iMac, reinstalled Catalina,how do I do that without logging in with a user name?

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