Q: Disk Utility Won't Erase - can not unmount the volume you are booted from

Hi I have a MacBook7,1 mid 2010 and I need to erase the hard drive so I can give the computer to someone else. When I go to Disk Utility, the erase button is light grey (so I can't select it) and it says "This operation can not be performed because you can not unmount the volume you are booted from." Does anyone have any ideas of what I should do?

Posted on Aug 10, 2016 5:17 AM

I have this question too

All replies

Helpful answers

by tim_135,

tim_135 Aug 10, 2016 5:55 PM in response to jensminger
Community Specialists

Aug 10, 2016 5:55 PM in response to jensminger

Hey there jensminger,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities! This particular error happens if the disk drive is trying to be erased from Disk Utility using Finder. Fear not, there is a solution! All that needs to happen is to power that machine down and restart using OS X Recovery or Internet Recovery. From here you can erase the disk and then reinstall OS X.

What to do before selling or giving away your Mac
How to reinstall OS X

Have a phenomenal day!
Reply options

Link to this post

Q: Disk Utility Won't Erase - can not unmount the volume you are booted from

All replies Helpful answers

by tim_135,

All replies

Helpful answers