iMac had operating system deleted please help

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Level 1

4 points

iMac had operating system deleted please help

I was given an iMac unfortunately I don’t know the exact model if someone could help me find that as well I would appreciate it. it will not booting up correctly. I’ve been through disk utility did first aid on all the disks and volumes. Which is said it had fixed all the issues there was. I noticed the Fusion Drive was separated so I went through terminal and reconnected them but every time I try to reinstall os it says an error occurred please try again. It only gives me the option to reinstall into the Fusion Drive. Nothing about choosing where to install it from. Ive seen people asking if they should reinstall from base os disk which I know is only the internet recovery mode program installed so I could try to install or fix the HD. I’ve tried booting up with command R and command option R I think is the keystroke to add the newest available os nothing I do is working please help. It doesn’t give me the error or anything to indicate what went wrong just simply an error occurred. I’ve tried doing it over WiFi and wired still nothing. I’m booting up into recovery mode and trying to use internet recovery. I am also not able to get my magic mouse 1 to connect so I’m stuck using my keyboard only. I plugged it in via the lightning cable and I’m able to use it wirelessly. If anyone knows how to turn on Bluetooth through terminal that would also be a huge help.

Posted on Oct 30, 2024 6:23 PM

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Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

178,324 points

Oct 31, 2024 7:27 AM in response to LFR11

First, you will need a USB mouse. There is no way to connect a Magic Mouse prior to the operating system loading, and trying to reinstall without a mouse will be nigh onto impossible.

After that, if Internet Recovery won't work, just generating an error, it's quite possible that the drive, either the SSD or the magnetic hard drive, has failed. Or the Fusion Drive has not been properly reconnected and reformatted. Without being able to see what Disk Utility shows it's difficult to guess. Perhaps something here might help:

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

If you have access to another Mac, you can create and try a bootable installer:

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

Beyond that, you may need to take the iMac to a service center for evaluation. Whether that will be worth it will depend on the model. You can find information to help you determine what model you have here:

Identify your iMac model - Apple Support

Good luck.

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,294 points

Oct 31, 2024 8:06 AM in response to LFR11

Yup, even if you install your own HD it will be useless as the computer will still be associated with the old owner. You can be stubborn and move forward with it or you can be wise and buy yourself a high quality used Mac, something that has a warranty, is setup correctly and inspected and setup correctly. I'd suggest macsales.com.

NEVER EVER get a used Mac from:

Ebay
Marketplace
Craigslist
Nextdoor
Local PC shop
Friend or aquantence

Why, simple you will find yourself in the same boat you are in now!

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,294 points

Oct 30, 2024 8:40 PM in response to LFR11

Unless the computer was set up to be given away or sold then all you got was a boat anchor.

We see your type of post daily, believe me no one did you any favors.

The computer is still associated with the previous owner and will always be so which creates a huge mess for you.

please Google “What to do before you sell, give away or donate a Mac” you will find an article by Apple that explains what needs to be done. Based on your description, it wasn’t.

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Answer 4

LFR11 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 31, 2024 3:14 AM in response to rkaufmann87

That’s really the best answer you have so you’re telling me there isn’t a thing I can do to fix the computer not even buy a new hard drive and install it myself? I highly doubt that it’s useless

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