# OS X El Capitan

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Mac : Factory reset / Fresh install ( OS X El Capitan )
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### Prerequisites

* Back up your data if needed (using Time Machine)
* Stable internet connection
* Apple ID and password
* Allow 2-5 hours for completion
* Power adapter connected

### Step 1: Start Recovery Mode

1. Turn off your Mac
2. Locate `Command (⌘)` and `R` keys
3. Press and hold `Command (⌘) + R`
4. While holding the keys, press the power button
5. Keep holding until the Recovery screen appears (up to 5 minutes)

### Step 2: Connect to Internet

1. Select your Wi-Fi network
2. Enter your Wi-Fi password
3. Click "OK"
4. Wait for connection verification

### Step 3: Erase Your Drive

1. Select "**Disk Utility**"
2. Click "**Continue**"
3. Select your main drive
4. Click "**Erase**"
5. Keep default settings
6. Confirm by clicking "**Erase**"
7. Wait for completion
8. Exit Disk Utility

### Step 4: Install OS X El Capitan

1. Select "**Reinstall OS X**"
2. Click "**Continue**"
3. Wait for system verification
4. Read and agree to terms (two confirmations)
5. Select the erased drive
6. Click "**Continue**"
7. Enter your Apple ID and password
8. Click "**Sign In**"
9. Wait for installation (2-5 hours)

### Step 5: Initial Setup

1. Choose country and language
2. Connect to Wi-Fi again
3. Enter Wi-Fi password
4. Choose migration options:
   * Skip if no backup ("Don't transfer")
   * Restore from backup if available

### Step 6: System Configuration

1. Location Services:
   * Enable for weather widgets
   * Can be disabled if preferred
2. Account setup (skip if selling):
   * Enter name
   * Create username
   * Set password
3. Additional options:
   * Keychain setup (optional)
   * Analytics sharing with Apple
4. Accept final terms

### Important Notes

> ⚠️ **Warning**: This process will erase all data from your Mac. Back up important files before starting.

#### If Selling Your Mac

* Skip entering personal information
* Leave account creation for new owner
* Don't sign in with Apple ID

#### Installation Time Factors

* Internet speed
* Computer specifications
* Drive size

### Troubleshooting

* If Recovery Mode doesn't appear:
  * Restart the process
  * Ensure keys are held immediately after power on
* If installation fails:
  * Check internet connection
  * Verify Apple ID credentials

### After Installation

1. Verify system is running properly
2. Install necessary applications
3. Restore data if needed
4. Check for system updates

***

*Note: This guide is specific to OS X El Capitan. Steps may vary for other versions.*


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