Reset used iMac - no password or id for machine

Question

Level 1

4 points

Reset used iMac - no password or id for machine

Got a very used iMac from a friend (os X Yosemite). I just need it to demo something so it's fine. I cannot get into the thing. The PW I was given does not work. I am not a Mac person, so the explanations I've been following are being followed literally.

I've managed to get to reload the OS, but when I try to do that, it wants an Apple ID. Okay, so I created one. Nope - no progress.

Not sure what else to do. would appreciate some helpful hints.

iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, 2 ports)

Posted on Jan 2, 2023 5:14 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

60,590 points

Jan 3, 2023 6:28 AM in response to shelley95

The AppleID being requested is to prove you have previously "purchased" the OS in question which you have not. Try booting into Recovery Mode using Command + Option + R instead which in theory should not ask to authenticate (theoretically since Apple's documentation is a bit lacking on details).

Once booted into Recovery Mode, launch Disk Utility and erase the "Macintosh HD" volume as MacOS Extended (Journaled). Quit Disk Utility and select "Install macOS" option.

Reply

Answer 2

shelley95 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 6, 2023 8:28 PM in response to HWTech

This worked really well until I got to Terms and Conditions. I can't figure out how to get 'I agree' to light up so I can click it. I opened up each of the major areas, scrolled all the way from top to bottom in each of the three multiple times at varying speeds. No luck.

Reply

Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

60,590 points

Jan 6, 2023 10:17 PM in response to shelley95

If @ghr165's suggestion does not work, then I've seen some reports that on newer versions of macOS that you should not configure the AppleID (or is it iCloud) during setup, or it may prevent the "Agree" button from working. I thought it may have been an OS issue, but maybe this is some sort of Apple server issue if it also affect such an old OS. If you are still on the Setup Assistant configuration steps, then just click back until you reach the AppleID (or iCloud) configuration and unselect it for now, then proceed with the setup. Set up AppleID (iCloud) after you have completed the initial setup.

Reply