Factory reset on iMac OS X

Question

Factory reset on iMac OS X

I was given an iMac and I was trying to factory reset because the previous owner alledgedly can’t remember her password so I can go in that way to reset everything. I searched online how to do this without a password. The instructions were to hold the power button while also holding the shift+option+command+R+P and then follow the prompts on the screen. Well did that but instead of getting options all I got is a blinking file folder with a question mark in it. Can someone help with this reset issue? Or at least give reasonable suggestions.

Thank you.

Posted on Mar 16, 2024 1:03 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

96,740 points

Mar 16, 2024 2:18 PM in response to Strongly-dislike-Apple

Any idea what year model the iMac is and what macOS version it was running...?

This matters, because the erase and reinstall steps are slightly different.

see > Identify your iMac - Apple Support

If you are using the original wireless keyboard and mouse, they are most likely unpaired.

If so, then what you need to do, is use a USB keyboard and follow the steps

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

and > How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

The startup key commands are:

Command-R: When you press and hold these two keys at startup, macOS Recovery will offer the current version of the most recently installed macOS.
Option-Command-R: When you press and hold these three keys at startup, macOS Recovery might offer the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Shift-Option-Command-R: When you press and hold these four keys at startup, macOS Recovery might offer the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.

Reply

Factory reset on iMac OS X

Similar questions