Erase an iMac

My iMac is running pathetically slow. I want to do a factory reset. However, when I try to erase all content, I get an error that erase assistant is not supported on this mac

Posted on Jun 15, 2023 7:39 AM

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Posted on Jun 15, 2023 8:07 AM

What year model iMac and what OS X or macOS version is it running?

see > Identify your iMac model - Apple Support


Old models require using Disk Utility on the install CD or an external Installer.

Newer models require using the Disk Utility in macOS Recovery.


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

and > How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

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Jun 15, 2023 8:07 AM in response to jlgawlik

What year model iMac and what OS X or macOS version is it running?

see > Identify your iMac model - Apple Support


Old models require using Disk Utility on the install CD or an external Installer.

Newer models require using the Disk Utility in macOS Recovery.


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

and > How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Dec 31, 2023 10:37 AM in response to jlgawlik

Erase Assistant is not available because your iMac doesn’t have an Apple silicon or T2 security chip.


Here’s a step-by-step solution on how erase your iMac without using Erase Assistant:


  1. Restart your iMac. Click the Apple menu on the top left, then click Restart, then click Restart again or press the enter key on your keyboard.
  2. Boot into macOS Recovery. After your screen turns black, press Command (⌘)+R until the Apple logo appears, then let go. You should see the macOS Utilities window after a few seconds.
  3. Erase your disk drive. Click Disk Utility, then click your disk drive that you normally use, then click Erase. In the pop-up menu, click Erase, then it should erase your disk drive.
  4. Reinstall macOS. After you erase your disk drive, quit the app by clicking on Disk Utility on the menu bar, then click Quit, or press Command (⌘)+Q on your keyboard. Click Reinstall macOS, then follow the on-screen instructions.

Jun 15, 2023 11:06 AM in response to jlgawlik

Here's some food for thought to add to rkaufmann87's recommendations: there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   

Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


I would make sure you have none of the "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac before wiping and reinstalling. If you restore from a TM backup you'll just be getting back those apps.


Jun 15, 2023 8:54 AM in response to jlgawlik

Before you do anything ensure your iMac is backed up using Time Machine!!!


Also, it may be slow due to mechanical issues such as a failing drive or possibly due to software that has been installed that causes problems such as third party:


  • Antivirus
  • Cleaning
  • Security
  • VPN

apps. If your system has any of these installed, please locate the developers instructions to uninstall. Then after you have uninstalled each restart the computer in Safe Mode and test. These types of apps at best are 100% worthless and do nothing except take your money, make your Mac slow, make Mac OS appear buggy and deliver no additional security than Mac OS already delivers!

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Erase an iMac

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