OS Catalina, late 2012 iMac - erasing HD data
Can I erase the data on my hard drive without erasing the OS? I messed up loading from Time Machine so would like to erase that and want to start over without also having to reinstall OS Catalina.
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Can I erase the data on my hard drive without erasing the OS? I messed up loading from Time Machine so would like to erase that and want to start over without also having to reinstall OS Catalina.
In order to start over with Time Machine, you need to erase the entire Mac. You can then re-run Time Machine restore. Below are the steps, and it will erase all data on the Mac:
Cheers,
Jack
In order to start over with Time Machine, you need to erase the entire Mac. You can then re-run Time Machine restore. Below are the steps, and it will erase all data on the Mac:
Cheers,
Jack
After everything imported from Time Machine, I made the mistake of accepting and pass-wording the profile (user) from my older iMac on the newer one. I had already created a new profile (user) on the new one (which is what I wanted so it would be easier to keep drives, accounts, etc identified separately from older iMac, which will still be used). Instead of answering yes to the question to merge the incoming Time Machine data into the new profile, I opted to keep both - now I see that was a mistake.
I'd wanted to see the imported files, desktop, folders, data, photos under the newly created profile -- instead, it's all under my old profile on the newer machine (with new password). All that shows up when I log into the new profile is only what appears when I installed Catalina.
My explanation is probably confusing. I thot by erasing the data installed from Time Machine, I could then just reinstall from Time Machine and make sure I used only the new profile.
If you understand my issue??? -- is there an easier way to accomplish my desired end result?
Thanks for your time.
Tim
is there an easier way to accomplish my desired end result
No, there isn't. One of the reasons: if you do not erase the entire drive, you will wind up with two Data volumes (or more if you were to do it again). Those are some of the new features of the newer OS versions.
So,just follow Jack-19's excellent suggestions.
Hi Akpop5,
No. macOS and all user content all must be deleted. How did you mess up Time Machine? What do you want to accomplish?
Cheers,
Jack
Thanks!! Appreciate your time!
You're welcome, and good luck!
Cheers,
Jack
OS Catalina, late 2012 iMac - erasing HD data