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cant erase ssd or base system all options are greyed out

i tried to erase my macbook air 2017 and now i cant install mac os or erase the disk in disk utility

MacBook Air (2018 – 2020)

Posted on May 20, 2023 6:16 PM

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3 replies

May 20, 2023 8:45 PM in response to zelft10

Base System is the OS for Recovery or an Installer. You can't erase it.

Based on the years listed in your profile, you shouldn't erase the SSD at all.


There is information in this link for how to reinstall and how to erase.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


If it was an Apple Silicon Mac, you may have disabled it and that is why you cannot reinstall.

Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator - Apple Support


May 22, 2023 12:12 AM in response to zelft10

If you are unable to erase your SSD or perform any system operations on your MacBook Air 2017 because the options are greyed out, it may indicate a few possible issues. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

 

1. Check your macOS version: Make sure your MacBook Air is running a compatible macOS version. Some older macOS versions may not support certain features or disk management options. Update to the latest version if possible.

 

2. Boot into Recovery Mode: Restart your MacBook Air and hold down the Command (⌘) and R keys simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode, where you can perform disk management tasks.

 

3. Use Disk Utility in Recovery Mode: Once you're in Recovery Mode, select "Disk Utility" from the Utilities menu. In Disk Utility, you should be able to see your SSD and perform operations like erasing or formatting it. If the options are still greyed out, it could indicate a more significant issue with your drive.

 

4. Consider using external tools: If Disk Utility in Recovery Mode doesn't work, you can try using third-party disk management tools. These tools often provide advanced options for managing and repairing disks. Also, if you were looking to erase particular set of data then you can try BitRaser File Eraser, which will help you securely erase data from any storage device.

 

5. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's recommended to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They can provide further assistance and diagnose any hardware or software issues that may be causing the problem.

 

Remember to back up your important data before attempting any disk management operations, as they can result in data loss.


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cant erase ssd or base system all options are greyed out

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