I recently cracked the screen on my school-issued MacBook and need to bring it to the IT department. I'm worried they might reset it or replace the computer during the repair. I have important files and apps stored locally, but there isn't currently an Apple Account signed in. If I create one now, could it erase or remove anything, or should I back everything up with a flash drive or Time Machine first?
2 Answers
Make a separate backup before handing the Mac over. A cheap flash drive is a good option for copying your important documents, since IT might erase the machine, send it away for repair, or exchange it for another computer. Don’t rely on creating an Apple Account as your only backup.
Creating an Apple Account by itself shouldn’t erase, reset, or remove your local files or apps. You may be able to use it for iCloud syncing, but only files placed in supported iCloud folders will sync automatically. Also, the school’s device management settings may prevent you from signing in.
Thanks, that’s a relief. I’ve been really worried about losing those files.