how do I reset a MacIntosh LC 111 to factory setting

First of all, a few questions:

1. Which exact operating system version is installed (About ... in the Apple menu)?
2. Size of the hard drive and free space?
3. Do you have a StuffIt Expander utility (version?) somewhere on the hard disk?
4. Do you have a more modern computer (Mac or PC) with Internet access and a floppy drive (built-in, or external USB)?
5. Another pre-1998 Macintosh and/or a Windows (95 to XP) computer with a built-in floppy drive?
6. Any external SCSI drives for the LC III (CD-ROM, Zip 100, hard drive)?

Hi,

Is your Macintosh LC III working? That is, do you have a monitor, and is it possible to boot the computer from the internal hard drive?

Is your intention to recycle the computer, but you want to make sure that the hard disk is erased? If so, one option would be to remove the hard drive, and keep it, or destroy it using a hammer or drill.

If you want to use the computer, or sell it, the hard drive should remain installed, though.

It may be possible to create startup/tools/system floppies from disk image files. If your LC III is not working, another pre-1998 Macintosh would be needed. Do you have such a Mac? Alternatively, do you have access to a working Windows (95 to XP) PC with a floppy drive?

Macintosh LC III: Technical Specifications

Thank you for the update.

You may find that there is a certain interest in an LC III even without a hard drive (try, for example, an eBay search for machines for parts, with a filter Sold Items only).

I should add that it is possible to remove many files manually from a hard disk, without the need for a separate startup floppy with formatting/wiping tools, but this will take some time, and is not without complication. Also, everything willl not be completely erased and overwritten. I mention such a process for your information only:

a) Start the computer with the Shift key depressed (Extensions off).

b) Keep the System Folder intact for now.

c) Move everything else on the hard disk (all files and folders outside the System Folder), except one large file without personal information, to the Trash.

d) Empty the Trash (the Special menu).

e) Take a look inside the System Folder. Move all Preferences to the Trash. Move all application-specific files/folders to the Trash.

f) Keep the remaining System Folder with the System suitcase, the Finder, any System Enabler, Extensions and Control Panels intact (but move any files with personal information to the Trash).

g) Again, Empty the Trash (the Special menu).

h) Create a New Folder (the File menu). Move the previously saved large file without personal information to the empty New Folder. Repeatedly Duplicate (the File menu) this large file until the hard disk is full. This will overwrite most of the free space on the hard disk. Finally, move the folder with the duplicated files to the Trash.

i) Empty the Trash (the Special menu).

j) The hard disk should now mainly contain a System Folder with a System suitcase, a Finder, any System Enabler, Extensions and Control Panels.

k) Try to restart the computer.

l) Check. Repeat if necessary.

Insert the computer's first original floppy, select it in the Startup Disk control panel, restart, erase the internal drive from the Special menu in the Finder, and install a fresh OS.

(241450)

Without some way to install a fresh OS, no; a newer one can be used for this purpose but won't return the computer to the original one.

(241451)