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the erase tab doesn't work

trying to erase my old macOS Sierra

directions say to go to Disk Utility, select Macintosh HD and click on the ERASE tab.

but that tab is grayed out...won't respond...how do erase this computer?

iMac 24″, macOS 12.1

Posted on Jan 22, 2022 2:29 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 23, 2022 2:16 AM

Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac


The reason it is greyed out is because one can not Erased an Operating System while the computer is booted into the Operating System.


The above instruction via link will provide that method.

5 replies

Jan 23, 2022 4:57 AM in response to mimianddani

Need some clarity if one would please.


We are Talking about a computer that has Sierra macOS 10.12 installed on the computer right now ?


Reason for question - the user Profile attached to this posting identifies an Apple Silicon 24' iMac running Monterey 12.1


If your Mac starts up to a blank screen

A blank screen (black, gray, or blue) should appear once or more during startup. If your Mac appears to be stuck on a blank screen, follow these steps.


 


Try to start up from macOS Recovery

If your Mac seems to be turned on but nothing appears on your display, determine whether you're using a Mac with Apple silicon, then follow the appropriate steps:

Apple silicon

  1. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
  2. You should see the startup options window, which includes a gear icon labeled Options. Select Options, then click Continue.
  3. If you never see the startup options window, release the power button, then press and hold it again for another 10 seconds. If the issue persists, please contact Apple Support

Intel processor

  1. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
  2. Press and release the power button, then immediately press and hold Command (⌘)-R until you see an Apple logo or other image.
  3. If you still see a blank screen after about 20 seconds, contact Apple Support.


Use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk

If your Mac successfully started up from macOS Recovery, you should see a utilities window that includes Disk Utility. Use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.

If Disk Utility found no errors, reinstall macOS.

If Disk Utility found errors and repaired them, restart your Mac. If the issue returns after restarting, reinstall macOS.

 

If you still need help, please contact Apple Support

the erase tab doesn't work

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