Looking for ways to erase my 2010 iMac

Hi tamikowrites,

Welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.

Wondering if you want to still use the Mac, or just want the hard-disk erased.

Re: Any ideas :-)

Am no expert, but seems this article has possibilities (no mention of DVD's):

Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac – Apple Support

All the best :-)

Use an aftermarket USB CD/DVD drive and the original install disc.

(my LG drive allows me to startup old Mac’s from their install disc)

Try using Internet Recovery Mode using Option-Shift-Command-R

see > Use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support

Open it up, remove the hard drive and take it in for recycling. Then you can destroy the drive and put it in a recycling bin.

You can get info on replacing the drive here: iMac Hard Drive Disk Replacement 2009 2010 2011 21 5" Apple or here: 21.5" inch iMac Mid 2010 A1311 Hard Drive SSD Upgrade

Don't worry about putting it back together neatly. If you have to just stuff the loose parts in the body and take the screen on.

If you have another Mac, you can boot the old one in Target Disc Mode connected via FW as an external drive, then use the newer Mac to erase the old Mac.

https://www.engadget.com/2009-04-27-tuaw-tip-clean-your-hard-drive-with-target-disk-mode.html

You're most welcome :-)

Thank you for replying, and letting us know. No worries!

Cheers :-)