Check Out New MacBook Air’s Super Cool Install Disk

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This is the software reinstall disk for the new MacBook Air. Cool eh?

Here’s the details of what’s on it, according to Apple’s knowledgebase article:

MacBook Air: Frequently Asked Questions about Software Reinstall Drive

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT4399

Products Affected

MacBook Air (Late 2010)

Your MacBook Air (Late 2010) comes with a USB Software Reinstall Drive that contains a copy of Mac OS X and iLife. If you selected to pre-install iWork at the time purchase, iWork is also included on the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive. Use this device instead of DVDs to reinstall your operating system and applications and to run essential applications and utilities.  Note: The MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive is read only.  You cannot erase it, reformat it, or reuse it as a general purpose USB storage device.  If you try to use the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive on a computer other than a MacBook Air (Late 2010), you will be offered two options: “Restore from a Time Machine backup” or “Restart the computer”.  All menu selections are disabled.

What is included on the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive?

The MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive contains installers for Mac OS X, iLife applications, and Apple Hardware Test.  Some drives also contain an iWork installer. Examine the labeling on your MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive to determine what software you can install.

Can I use the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive to do other things?

Yes, you can start up your computer from the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive to select a Startup Disk, restore your system from a Time Machine backup disk or Time Capsule, reinstall Mac OS X, reset your administrative password, enable a firmware password, and run Disk Utility, among other tasks.

How do I use MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive as a startup volume?

  1. Insert MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive into one of the USB ports on your MacBook Air.
  2. Press the power button on your computer, then press and hold the “C” key when you hear the startup tone.
  3. You can also power the computer on and press and hold the Option key when you hear the startup tone, then click on the icon to startup using the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive.

If your computer is already running:

  1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple () menu.
  2. Choose Startup Disk from the View menu.
  3. Select Mac OS X Install, then click Restart.

How  do I access Apple Hardware test?

Press the power button on your computer, then hold down the “D” key when you hear the startup tone.

Does iWork need a serial number?

No. This version of iWork does not need a serial number.

Can I use the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive to install software on other Macs?

No. The software will only install on the MacBook Air it shipped with.

How do I erase the hard drive and reinstall?

See this article for instructions on performing an Erase and Install.

I want to install Boot Camp.  Does the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive include Windows 7 drivers?

No. The Boot Camp Assistant will download the correct Windows 7 drivers for your computer and offer to copy them to a CD or USB storage device.

Does MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive include any printer drivers?

Yes. You can install a limited selection of print drivers using the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive. Apple adds support for additional printer models frequently. After you have reinstalled the software with the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive, run Software Update before using a printer.

Does MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive contain software for CD/DVD Sharing?

You can use another Macintosh running Mac OS X v10.5.3 or later to share its optical drive with your MacBook Air (Late 2010). To install CD and DVD Sharing on a PC running Windows, download and install that software.

How do I get QuickTime 7 to play older video formatted content?

Download it from https://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/.

I connected my MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive to a hub or USB switch and it won’t install. What is the best way to connect the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive to my computer?

Always connect your MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive directly to your computer’s USB port. Do not use USB hubs, switches, or USB ports on an Apple LED Cinema display (or other display) with the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive.

Can I disconnect the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive from the USB port when installing software?

No. Never disconnect the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive from the USB port until the installation of software has completed. If it becomes disconnected, power off your computer, reconnect it, and start over.

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