Reinstalling clean system on faulty hardware? Suggestions I have a faulty MBP 17' Late 2009.
I can sell it for spares &amp; repairs on ebay for quite a lot as I've found but it has a lot of sensitive data on it and I'd like to return it to a base system.

The problem is that there's a problem with the heatsync and it will switch off without warning if it gets too hot.

What would be the safest method of doing clean install. I have no means of connecting the internal drive to another machine.

Thanks very much.
If overheating is the problem I would try doing the clean install while having a fan blow cool air directly onto the computer into the vent openings. I may even remove the bottom covers to increase airflow.

If you are selling for parts, why not remove the hard drive and sell it drive-less, then take a hammer to the drive itself to protect your data.