There is no disk to select when using Time Machine.

Here is where I am. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. I had an issue with my Mac showing a black screen with a file question mark in the center of the file, flashing. I did go through the steps to get it working, but failed. I ended up taking it to the apple store. The Genius told me I would need a new hard drive, and that would cost around $500 to replace the HD. So I ended up taking it to a friend who’s career was repairing computers. So I do trust him repairing it for the $50 he charged me to repair it. I left it with him and he changed the hard drive, however when I got home I got the same error code with file and question mark flashing. He told me to press and hold option upon start up. I did as he said, which took me to a set up screen, that included setting up a Mac account, as my fingerprint so to speak. After doing that I got to the point where the Mac is “Setting Up Your Mac”. I never could get past that point. So I tried myself and have done almost everything Apple has recommended me do at home. Which has only made things worse. That being said, How do I get Time Machine to back up my Mac if when I get to that section I can’t select any disk to back up to on Time Machine. This is where I am being held up doing anything with my Mac. Sorry for the long message. Would you have any other suggestions or explanation my Mac can’t perform the way it should with the fact being I can access the screens I will include for you to see what I am looking at. Thank you.

Well I made it through the installation. I was so relieved. Until I went to log in. My password isn’t working. And I’m using the same password I’ve always used. I’m locked out; after all that waiting. Any suggestions? I’ve even tried changing my password. No luck still.

How does that work. Do I download the OS X onto a memory stick from another computer and then plug it into my Mac and install it that way? I’m confused how to get my Mac working using the Utilities section.

oh okay? What would you suggest I do if I can’t get this Mac working? Apple support has concluded the hard drive needs replacing for $500 plus. I’ve already had it replaced by a 3rd party. So repairing it with another hard drive would not be an option for me. It just seems I am missing something in the steps for how to get it going. It seems it responds differently every tine I try what apple Support app recommends. Any more suggestions?

So sorry for the delayed response. I will try these instructions. I have one question that may or may not make a difference. When I shut down the Mac to restart it, the only way I can shut it down is by pressing the power button on the keyboard. Will this matter shutting the Mac down using this method? I cannot use my curser to shut it down with any drop down bar at the top of the screen. I just wanted to be sure to ask before I shut it down if it made any difference. Again, thank you so much for your help with this. Crossing my fingers this will work.

I erased my external drive, this PNY 64GB storage.

This is where I am at this point.

After the installation was complete and the Mac restarted automatically. This is the screen I am seeing now.

I chose to restart Mac and this is what I am seeing now. Waiting.

I am back to installing again. Ugh.

That’s what I’m thinking. After this installation is completed and it is still giving me problems. I will hope for the best taking it to the apple store. I really do appreciate your help.