MacOS reformat

Guys,i want to reformat my macbook.it came with Tiger and Leopard CD.now can someone provide me an step-by-step guide how to do that.also when i got it,it was Tiger pre-installed and then i used my CD to upgrade to Leopard.now have i to install the tiger and then upgrade or i can install leopard.thx.

 

You don't need to touch Tiger. Just put the Leopard DVD in, reboot while holding down the C key on your keyboard, and follow the instructions choosing format from the menu.

 

and remember to install the iLife package from the Disk that came with your machine, just put the 1st disk into the machine, and choose to install the Software Package only.

 

If all you want to do is to erase what is on there and replace it with a clean install of Leopard, then start by doing what Budding outlined above.

Once you are in the Leopard installer, at one point you will be given an option button that when pressed will offer you a few installation options. It will be set to "archive & install" by default, which means the old installation is kept on your hard drive as a backup while a new system is installed. Since you do not seem to want this, the option for you is "erase & install" - this erases the hard drive and installs Leopard from scratch.

 

if you are given "leopard drop-in cd" like i do. which seems you do.

you need to have tiger installed in your sytem before the leopard drop in upgrade can be run. the leopard drop in cd will check your computer for tiger installation before it will continue.

bear in mind that the leopard upgrade cd does not contains the ilife or any other bundled software. should you wish to clean install, you will lost all bundled application. if you choose to upgrade, you will not loose any of this application.

i wish to clarify starlight comment regarding the default option.

the leopard drop in cd default option is "upgrade".

there is "archive and install" which is irrelevant, since if you want a clean install, backup all your file and data to a CD or extenal HDD.

"erase & install" which is basically clear all your HDD of any data and install a fresh copy of mac os.

dont worry though, apple's boot up cd is all graphical UI and very very easy to do. it comes with very clear explanation below each settings, and will guide you through it very easily. dont worry.

 

and if i back-up with my time-machine,can i use that to undo my data when i reformat?

 

You mean restore your data after a format? Yes, you can restore the data you have backed up in a Time Machine backup in Leopard.

 

ok,thx for help