removing encrypted drive / password required to 'unlock' disk

I bought a MacBook Air (2017 13 inch Intel Core 95) for my daughter when she went to uni.

She has just bought a new Macbook and returned the old one to me for my use (not sure if I should be happy to be inheriting a computer I originally bought her :-)

It looks like she has reset the computer before giving it to me.

I copied my files from my iMac using TimeMachine (this was successful though, apparently, some files weren't copy because of privilege errors) though I had to exclude some folders because the Macbook HD isn't large enough.

However, when I log into the account, there is a 'enter a password to unlock the disk' dialogue box. I don't think she can remember the password :-(

When I had a look in disk utility, it looks like there are 2 encrypted APFS volumes on the HD. I presume it is these drives that are causing the dialogue box.

I need to remove the encrypted volumes because 'the volumes in Container' is 39.44GB which leaves only 10GB of free space on the drive

I have read the support page for cleaning the Macbook.

When I start the Macbook in to recovery assistant, it is showing two drives - the 'Macintosh HD Data' (which is the volume marked encrypted in disk utility) and the Macintosh HD. If I 'erase' the volume marked 'Data' will that return the 40Gb and remove the 'enter password to unlock drive' dialogue?

Do I have to reset the MacBook back to factory settings?


All answers greatly appreciated


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 27, 2022 8:24 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 28, 2022 12:51 PM

Hi Andrewpratt2,


It sounds like the Mac may not have been completely erased with the steps here: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac


You can find a previous post with similar information here: Enter a password to unlock the disk macintosh hd - data


If you're sure you nor your daughter need the information on the APFS volumes listed, you can test deleting or erasing it with the steps found in the article here: Add, delete, or erase APFS volumes in Disk Utility on Mac.

The article here also has helpful information. Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac


As always, before reinstalling or erasing anything ensure you have a backup of your data. Reach out to Apple Support directly to further assist.


Contact Apple Support


Contact Apple for support and service



Best.




Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 28, 2022 12:51 PM in response to Andrewpratt2

Hi Andrewpratt2,


It sounds like the Mac may not have been completely erased with the steps here: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac


You can find a previous post with similar information here: Enter a password to unlock the disk macintosh hd - data


If you're sure you nor your daughter need the information on the APFS volumes listed, you can test deleting or erasing it with the steps found in the article here: Add, delete, or erase APFS volumes in Disk Utility on Mac.

The article here also has helpful information. Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac


As always, before reinstalling or erasing anything ensure you have a backup of your data. Reach out to Apple Support directly to further assist.


Contact Apple Support


Contact Apple for support and service



Best.




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removing encrypted drive / password required to 'unlock' disk

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