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disk wipe and re-install

How do I make a clean wipe of my imac disk drive and then re-install everything from scratch?


thank you

iMac 21.5″, macOS 12.4

Posted on Jul 15, 2022 11:58 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 16, 2022 12:15 AM

jin21 Said:

"disk wipe and re-install: How do I make a clean wipe of my imac disk drive and then re-install everything from scratch? thank you"

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Resetting the macOS:

Are looking to reset this to Factory Settings? If so, here is what to do:


Go here to find out how to freshly install this: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support. As the site reads: "The best way to restore your Mac to factory settings is to erase your hard drive and reinstall macOS."

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 16, 2022 12:15 AM in response to jin21

jin21 Said:

"disk wipe and re-install: How do I make a clean wipe of my imac disk drive and then re-install everything from scratch? thank you"

-------


Resetting the macOS:

Are looking to reset this to Factory Settings? If so, here is what to do:


Go here to find out how to freshly install this: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support. As the site reads: "The best way to restore your Mac to factory settings is to erase your hard drive and reinstall macOS."

Jul 16, 2022 6:45 AM in response to jin21

" Scorched Earth Method "


This method will WIPE ALL Data and there is No Recovery - Period.


To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer


The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer 


This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer.


Example : Bootable Installer of Big Sur would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Big Sur.


Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can not be used.


Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.


Once that is done read on for preparing the Destination computer  >> Only works on Intel Based Apple Computers.


1 - Shutdown computer and disconnect all external drive Except the newly created Bootable Installer.


2- Restart and immediately hold the OPTION key until the Startup Manager appears and choose the USB Drive. 


3 - It will present options >> Disk Utilities >> View >> View ALL attached Drives. 


4 - Choose the Upper Most Drive ( not the volumes indented and list below ).


5 - The drive normally is called Apple Media or Apple SSD - that is the drive to Erase and format as APFS with the GUID Partition Map. This applies to macOS 10.14 Mojave and above. 


5A - Formatting for macOS 10.13 High Sierra and below requires HFS Journaled with the GUID Partition Map


6 - Once that is done >> backup out of Disk Utilities and choose install macOS. 


7 - Follow the prompts and it may automatically reboot several time. 


8 - Upon a final reboot - Setup Assist will present with the newer version of macOS.

disk wipe and re-install

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