How do I wipe a Fussion Drive?

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Level 1

41 points

How do I wipe a Fussion Drive?

Good day, I have a used

Apple iMac Retina 21.5" (4K, Mid-2017) - 3.4GHz Core i5-7500 - 8GB - 1TB which I bought from Campco_USA. It starts up to a blank screen with a flashing folder icon with a question mark. But

when I power it on I get a black screen with a flashing folder icon with a question mark on it. I was able to link it to my wifi and I tried using the internet recovery. It looked like I could download MacOS Sierra from the Apple support site. The install seemed to run for about 6 minutes and was 99% complete when I got an error message that the install had failed.

Campco_USA suggested that before returning it to them, I try "wiping the drive" and then try internet recovery again. But disk utility shows several drives? (I was expecting two: SSD and HDD))Any advise on which to wipe or the order to wipe them in?

Thanks,

Hugh

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Sep 13, 2023 11:01 AM

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Answer 1

Hugh Piercy Author

Level 1

41 points

Sep 13, 2023 2:55 PM in response to John Galt

Thanks for the reply, John

It turns out you were mistaken. If you use the Command (⌘) key and R key the Recovery server tries to install the latest Mac OS. Which wont run a six year old iMac. But I found this article: How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

The relevant part says:

Other macOS installation options

When you install macOS from Recovery, you get the current version of the most recently installed macOS, with some exceptions:

If you just used Disk Utility to erase your startup disk, you might be offered an earlier compatible version of macOS.
On an Intel-based Mac, if you use Option-Command-R during startup,

you might be offered the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.

On an Intel-based Mac, if you use Shift-Option-Command-R during

startup, you might be offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the

closest version still available.

If the Mac logic board was just replaced during service, you might be offered the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.

The first bullet did not happen but using Option-Command-R during startup worked and I have Ventura working as advertised. I'll test it a bit for delivering to the mother in law.

Best regards,

Hugh

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,516 points

Sep 13, 2023 11:52 AM in response to Hugh Piercy

Return it and buy from a reputable source, I suggest Macsales.com. They specialize in Macs and the machine you buy will set up correctly and you will have a warranty too. Buying from a seller that is too lazy or without the knowledge to set the computer correctly should be avoided!

however the very best choice is to buy a refurbished Mac directly from Apple. Zero downside in that they are identical to new, have the same warranty as new and will save $$$

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

156,212 points

Sep 13, 2023 11:12 AM in response to Hugh Piercy

At present it is not possible to install Sierra from Apple's Recovery servers. Unless and until Apple once again makes it possible to install older versions of macOS using Internet Recovery it's a brick.

Return that Mac for a refund.

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Answer 4

Hugh Piercy Author

Level 1

41 points

Sep 13, 2023 2:59 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Compco_USA is supposed to be reputable but that might just mean when they screw up they refund your money. I have no info on how often they screw up. I'll try your suggestions next time.

I was able to install mac OS Ventura and this one is looking useful now.

Best regards,

Hugh

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How do I wipe a Fussion Drive?

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