Home Forums Hardware Mac Desktops & Notebooks Reset MBPro-New User ID

I'm passing on my MacBookPro, as shown below. While I do have the original, OS X Install DVD, which I believe has 10.6.x Snow Leopard on it, I would like to hand over the MBP with macOS 10.12.3.

Is there a way to complete a Reset (deleting all of my data) and have 10.12.3 be the Startup macOS and allow new, User ID setup.

If such is not possible, can the new UserID do an a single upgrade from 10.6.3 to 10.12.3; or, does one have to do all the incremental, intermediate upgrades.

The way I do it is to begin by erasing the drive (I usually do a multi-pass secure erase) then reinstalling the OS and stopping after the system boots into the OS but before choosing the language. That way the new user receives a pristine system.

Assuming you have a correct installation of Sierra this can all be done from the RecoveryDrive. To boot from the Recovery Drive power down then power up while holding ⌘R.

Bear with me, as some steps aren't quite clear. I've read confused comments after these iMore Instructions ( Reset before selling ).

Please correct and add-to these step-by-steps are as follows:
1. Sign out of every, Apple related service related to the MBP being sold
2. Restart, Booting into Recovery (⌘R) and use DU to erase the HD (then, Quit DU)
3. MBP should still be in Recovery, making possible the selection of Reinstall macOS
4. ??What do I do next...

My Recovery DVD (original to this MBP) contains Snow Leopard, which requires 3 paid upgrades to get to Mavericks (after which upgrades are free). ...How do I install Sierra without having to use my own ID & PW - in order to get to the post, System Reboot but before Choosing the Language?

Thanks for pointing out the recovery drive option, i.e. that you don't need an external backup to erase a drive.

The Recovery Drive is a hidden partition on the MBP drive and no external drive is needed. When you select the install option it will download the latest compatible OS version from the internet and the only password that may be needed is the logon password for your internet connection.

Got it. Thanks.