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
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
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
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
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:
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.
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:
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!
Erase an iMac