Second hand iMac 2007 - Reset without existing Apple Login

[AshKapow]

We've been given a second hand 2007 iMac but the hard drive was wiped.

Every time we attempt to re-install Mac OS we get an error when entering our iCloud login saying "this item is temporarily unavailable"

We're aware that this is because we don't have the original iCloud login for the iMac (and cannot get it either)

We have tried looking on a lot of forums and can't find much information about resolving the issue (only diagnosing it), we've attempted to load the iCloud website on Safari on the iMac to login but it fails to load (perpetual spinning wheel).

Any idea on how we can wipe the iMac and reinstall it without the original iCloud login?

 

[chabig]

I think you are misinterpreting that message. That machine does not support activation lock. It’s asking you for your AppleID credentials to install MacOS from the App Store. Likely you’re trying an OS so old that it isn’t available.

 

[AshKapow]

OK, that makes sense.

Any idea on the best approach to wipe and reinstall Mac OS on this machine?

 

[chabig]

That’s a very old machine. The last supported version of Mac OS that it runs was Snow Leopard. Try to find a downloadable installer on the internet (I just performed a quick search unsuccessfully). You might be able to use your present Mac to make a bootable USB installer.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you want to re-install the OS, you'll need an Apple install DVD.

I would suggest the "Snow Leopard" 10.6.3 universal install DVD.
I think these still might be sold by Apple.
Or... find one on ebay.
A link:

Mac Snow Leopard Dvd Universal in Computers/Tablets & Networking for sale | eBay

www.ebay.com

Or... download the Snow Leopard installer and create a bootable USB flash drive.
Then boot from the flash drive, erase the internal drive, and install a completely fresh copy.

TIP:
If you try to create a bootable flashdrive installer, I would recommend that you try either "DiskMaker X" or "Install Disk Creator" to create it. These are free and make the process much easier.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

OK, that makes sense.

Any idea on the best approach to wipe and reinstall Mac OS on this machine?

-- The 2007 iMac 7,1 is compatible if the CPU is upgraded to a Penryn-based Core 2 Duo, such as a T9300.

How about dosdude1.com ?

macOS High Sierra Patcher

 

[AshKapow]

If you want to re-install the OS, you'll need an Apple install DVD.

I would suggest the "Snow Leopard" 10.6.3 universal install DVD.
I think these still might be sold by Apple.
Or... find one on ebay.
A link:

Mac Snow Leopard Dvd Universal in Computers/Tablets & Networking for sale | eBay

www.ebay.com

Or... download the Snow Leopard installer and create a bootable USB flash drive.
Then boot from the flash drive, erase the internal drive, and install a completely fresh copy.

TIP:
If you try to create a bootable flashdrive installer, I would recommend that you try either "DiskMaker X" or "Install Disk Creator" to create it. These are free and make the process much easier.

This was the answer I was looking for!

I had a dmg of this anyway, and used the asr command to write it to USB

sudo /usr/sbin/asr restore --source snowleopard.dmg --target /Volumes/USB --erase

 

[zeratul75]

imac 2007 can run el capitan, as far as I know.
Why stay on snow leopard?

 

[mrgvd]

true imac 2007 can run el capitan this is what im using at the moment , but looking to buy 2020 imac 27"

 

[zeratul75]

.....and El capitan can easily be Downloaded.....