User profile for user: g1190
g1190 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Tech Superhero Needed For Help With Startup Recovery

So I tried to wipe my iMac today and have encountered an issue; not sure how it happened as I thought I followed apples instructions well. Anyway. Now when I start it up I get the question mark image so I went in recovery mode and tried to download an OSX incase I had accidentally deleted one but I get the error message that the recovery server can't be contacted. I know its not an internet issue because I can browse safari fine. Next I went into disk utility and this is what I see:





I have run first aid on all of those options and it comes back clear.


I have no idea if I deleted something fundamental but any help would be really appreciated. I made a 15 minute job last 1 and a half hours and its very frustrating.


Thank you!


When I try to reinstall an OSx I get an error message that the recovery server can't be contacted

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 12.3

Posted on Oct 29, 2023 12:31 PM

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User profile for user: Jack-19
Jack-19
User level: Level 8
46,182 points

Posted on Oct 29, 2023 12:38 PM

Hey there!



Try these steps to startup into Internet Recovery mode, erase the internal disk, and reinstall macOS.


  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Press and release the power button to turn on your Mac.
  3. Immediately after releasing the power button, press and hold Option-Command-R. Option-Command-R will offer the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
  4. Keep holding the keys until you see a spinning globe.
  5. You might be asked to select a Wi-Fi network or attach a network cable. To select a Wi-Fi network, use the Wi-Fi menu  in the upper-right corner of the screen.


When you see a window with the option to reinstall macOS, your Mac has started up from Recovery.

You can now erase your Mac and reinstall macOS.


  1. From the utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
  2. Choose View > Show All Devices.
  3. Select "APPLE HDD HTS541010A9E632 Media" in the sidebar.
  4. Click the Erase button in the toolbar, then specify a name and format:
    1. Name: Macintosh HD
    2. Format: APFS
    3. Scheme: GUID Partition Map
  5. Click Erase.
  6. Quit Disk Utility.
  7. Select the option to reinstall macOS.
  8. Click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions.
  9. Allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time. 
  10. When installation is complete, your Mac might start up to a setup assistant. Follow the steps in the setup assistant.


If you're selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, quit the setup assistant without completing setup, then click Shut Down. When the new owner starts up the Mac, they can use their own information to complete setup.



Hope this helps!


-Jack

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Jack-19
Jack-19
User level: Level 8
46,182 points

Oct 29, 2023 12:38 PM in response to g1190

Hey there!



Try these steps to startup into Internet Recovery mode, erase the internal disk, and reinstall macOS.


  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Press and release the power button to turn on your Mac.
  3. Immediately after releasing the power button, press and hold Option-Command-R. Option-Command-R will offer the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
  4. Keep holding the keys until you see a spinning globe.
  5. You might be asked to select a Wi-Fi network or attach a network cable. To select a Wi-Fi network, use the Wi-Fi menu  in the upper-right corner of the screen.


When you see a window with the option to reinstall macOS, your Mac has started up from Recovery.

You can now erase your Mac and reinstall macOS.


  1. From the utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
  2. Choose View > Show All Devices.
  3. Select "APPLE HDD HTS541010A9E632 Media" in the sidebar.
  4. Click the Erase button in the toolbar, then specify a name and format:
    1. Name: Macintosh HD
    2. Format: APFS
    3. Scheme: GUID Partition Map
  5. Click Erase.
  6. Quit Disk Utility.
  7. Select the option to reinstall macOS.
  8. Click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions.
  9. Allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time. 
  10. When installation is complete, your Mac might start up to a setup assistant. Follow the steps in the setup assistant.


If you're selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, quit the setup assistant without completing setup, then click Shut Down. When the new owner starts up the Mac, they can use their own information to complete setup.



Hope this helps!


-Jack

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Tech Superhero Needed For Help With Startup Recovery

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