Jonathan from Ivybridge

Q: Erase and reinstall OS X Mavericks

I am trying to erase and resinstall OS X Mavericks.  I was following Apple's instructions, as set out below - but got stuck at Step 4.  This was because I had a choice of 3 start up disks to click on the left - and didn't know which one I should be pressing to basically start again on my iMac.

The reason why I want to start again is that I am having quite a few problems, which I don't seem to be able to resolve.  (e.g. I had perhaps foolishly sent to Trash a lot of stuff from My Passport and now can't clear it; and hundreds of items appear when I verify disk permissions in Disk Utility and I don't seem to be able to repair them.  Initially they seem to be repaired but then they appear again and again!

Many thanks

 

 

Erase your Mac, then reinstall OS X using the built-in recovery disk. Before you erase, back up your essential files. If you’re installing on a portable computer, make sure your power adapter is plugged in.

Important: To reinstall OS X, you must be connected to the Internet.

 

  1. Choose Apple menu > Restart. Once your Mac restarts (and the gray screen appears), hold down the Command (⌘) and R keys.
  2. If you’re not connected to the Internet, choose a network from the Wi-Fi menu (in the top-right corner of the screen).
  3. Select Disk Utility, then click Continue.
  4. Select your startup disk on the left, then click the Erase tab.
  5. Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the Format menu, enter a name, then click Erase.
  6. After the disk is erased, choose Disk Utility > Quit Disk Utility.
  7. Select Reinstall OS X, click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions.

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Sep 28, 2014 10:02 AM

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