I bought a used Mac mini M1. 8g 256 won't complete reinstallation of OS Ventura

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Level 1

4 points

I bought a used Mac mini M1. 8g 256 won't complete reinstallation of OS Ventura

I bought a used Mac mini M1, the computer powers on, I chose to reinstall Mac OS Ventura. the process take a long time. several hours, at 8min to being complete, there is a message that says " an error occurred while preparing the installation, try running this application again. I have been doing this 6 times with the same result. pretty much the definition of insanity. Trying to achieve a different outcome doing to same thing again and again.//. HELP. the computer does not log into the OS... the SSD is erased.

the SSD appears to be working . when trying to format.. it does show 250ish Gig storage

Posted on Apr 6, 2024 10:12 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

92,542 points

Apr 6, 2024 11:12 AM in response to in2oil

Startup in macOS Recovery Mode > go to Disk Utility > Erase and Format the drive.

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

Then go back and Install the macOS while in macOS Recovery mode.

see > How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

If you can not do that, then you only have two other options.

1) Return it to the original owner and buy something directly from Apple or a reliable authorized reseller.

2) Take it to your local Apple Store or AASP with the sales receipt in hand and have them reinstall the macOS.

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Answer 2

in2oil Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 6, 2024 12:34 PM in response to in2oil

I hit a wall and decided to seek help at an Apple Store. After running a diagnostic, they confirmed the hardware was in perfect condition; it was just a software glitch causing the issue. The best part? The diagnostic was complimentary, and they generously offered to fix the software problem by reinstalling the OS Ventura, all at no cost. I'm genuinely impressed and grateful for their exceptional service. Despite my initial doubts, this experience has restored my faith in humanity. I'll provide another update once I have my machine back in a couple of hours. Big thanks to Den for their valuable insights.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

92,542 points

Apr 6, 2024 10:27 AM in response to in2oil

The stumbling block, could be that the previous owner did not properly prepare the Mac mini of resale.

see > What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

If they did not properly clear it, then you are spinning your wheels and need to return it to the seller.

If they did clear it, then following steps 6 & 7 in the above support article should get it going.

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Answer 4

in2oil Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 6, 2024 10:38 AM in response to den.thed

trust your assertion. Initially, when I attempted to reinstall the OS Ventura, it alerted me that the Mac Mini was still associated with his ID. He provided me with his login credentials. I entered the information and attempted to reinstall the OS Ventura, but without success, as I detailed in my previous post. What are the subsequent steps, specifically steps 6 and 7? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Got it.. clicked on the link... i'll do it one more time.

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