User level: Level 1 (5 points)I just recently bought this laptop from the govdeals website. It came from a school and I would like to reset it but it won't let me. Anyone have any suggestions?
Posted on Sep 15, 2026 8:49 AM
User level: Level 10 (85,896 points)Sep 15, 2026 10:45 AM in response to dlaurie483
Many schools use managed computers. If that is the case with your Mac, that typically means that only the team that set up the management system can disable it. If you cannot get a refund, you have a very expensive stage prop for a high school play.
Can you access System Settings? If so, do System Settings > General > Device Management and see if a profile is listed there.
Many schools fail to properly prepare their cast-off Macs for resale and reuse.
User level: Level 10 (208,430 points)Sep 15, 2026 9:37 AM in response to dlaurie483
dlaurie483 wrote:
I just recently bought this laptop from the govdeals website. It came from a school and I would like to reset it but it won't let me. Anyone have any suggestions?
why— what is it telling you?
Does not sound like it was properly prepared for resale— in that case I would return it while you can.
ref:
What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle ...
User level: Level 9 (60,836 points)Sep 15, 2026 9:55 AM in response to dlaurie483
dlaurie483 wrote:
Anyone have any suggestions?
Don't buy used computers in the future.
Take it to an official electronics recycling facility.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256357361