Reinstalling software using Remote Install Mac OS X

  • Last Modified: November 10, 2009
  • Article: HT2129
  • Old Article: 307242

Summary

Use Remote Install Mac OS X on the partner computer whose optical disc drive you want to share when you want to do one of the following tasks on your MacBook Air or Mac mini:

  • Reinstall Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, or other software that came with your computer
  • Reset your password
  • Use Disk Utility to repair the hard disk

Note: You can also do these tasks using a MacBook Air SuperDrive (available separately from Apple).

Products Affected

MacBook Air, Mac mini (Late 2009)

To use Remote Install Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server:

  1. Insert the Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server Install Disc into the optical disc drive of the other computer.
  2. If the other computer is a Mac, open /Applications/Utilities/Remote Install Mac OS X. On Windows, choose "Remote Install Mac OS X" from the Install Assistant.
  3. Read the introduction and click Continue.
  4. Choose the install disc you want to use, and click Continue.
  5. Choose a network connection: AirPort, if you are using an AirPort network, or Ethernet, if the other computer is on an Ethernet network and you have an optional Apple USB Ethernet Adapter connecting your MacBook Air or Mac mini to the same network. Click Continue.
  6. Restart your MacBook Air or Mac mini and hold down the Option key as it starts up, until you see a list of available startup disks.
  7. Click Continue in Remote Install Mac OS X.
  8. If you chose AirPort as your network in step 5, on your MacBook Air or Mac mini choose your AirPort network from the pop-up list.
    If the network is secure, you are prompted for a password. You can enter a private network name by choosing the ellipsis (...) and typing the name.
  9. If you chose AirPort as your network in step 5, when you see the AirPort status icon indicating signal strength, click Continue in Remote Install Mac OS X.

You can now reinstall software, reset your password or run Disk Utility using instructions from the User's Guide.

Additional Information

Refer to these articles for more information about remote install of Mac OS X.

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