Is Restoring an Intel-based T2 Mac using Apple Configurator the most comprehensive way to do a clean, factory-fresh re-install or would Disk Utility suffice?

Dear Community Member,


I've had some issues that appear to be resolved with a clean reinstall of my OS; however, since these were software-based and I'll need to take considerable time rebuilding everything from scratch either way, I'd prefer to wipe the slate as clean as possible.


E.g., there are some dangling volumes (mentioned by in Disk Utility from Recovery Mode) – 8 volumes exist but only 5 are visible. And it appears there's a Volume Group where the 'system' half got deleted–I know it's not supposed to be possible. What's done is done. Everything's backed up externally and in Time Machine.


So, what's the best course of action based on my intentions and the above info?


A. Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support


B. Revive or restore an Intel-based Mac using Apple Configurator - Apple Support


C. Other?


(You can see the history of my problems below. I consider the basic diagnosis of corrupted system/data software–not hardware–as the best. But in case you want to see my homework and EtreCheck Report:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255462783?login=true&sortBy=best)




iMac 27″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Feb 8, 2024 10:32 AM

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Feb 8, 2024 12:22 PM in response to Screaming Panda

OK. I pulled the trigger on the Restore using Configurator on a second mac. The iMac now has an uninitialized SSD. I reset PRAM. And I rebooted in internet recovery mode. It prompted me to install Sonoma. I do not want to start with Sonoma because I do not trust its compatibility with an Intel Mac and work critical apps.


  • So, I rebooted in this mode: Option-Shift-Command-R: Start up from macOS Recovery over the internet. Use this key combination to reinstall the version of macOS that came with your Mac or the closest version that’s still available.


It worked! I chose to reinstall Catalina. However, when it says to pick a drive to install the OS, no options pop up. In Disk Utility, it says my SSD is uninitialized. It's healthy according to First Aid. What do I do to proceed?


(Happy with Catalina or Monterey.)


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Is Restoring an Intel-based T2 Mac using Apple Configurator the most comprehensive way to do a clean, factory-fresh re-install or would Disk Utility suffice?

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