Problem with deleting a partition

Question

Level 1

5 points

Problem with deleting a partition

Hello, I am using a 13 inch MBA mid-2013, running OS X El Capitan 10.11.

I created a partition with bootcamp assistant and decided to install Windows 10 on it but it failed afterwards. So I wanted to merge it with Macintosh HD but disk utility doesn't allow me to do so.

I erased to partition to OS X Extended (journaled) but it still doesn't allow me to delete it. Filevault is disabled on my mac.

Please help, thanks!!

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2013), OS X El Capitan (10.11)

Posted on Oct 10, 2015 7:54 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 11, 2015 3:06 AM in response to 7153NG

If the partition was created using BC Assistant, you must not use Disk Utility to delete the partition. It causes pain and grief, as you obviously can see.

The simplest and safest method is to backup OSX via TM Machine, erase your internal drive, and restore from TM backup.

Reply

Answer 2

7153NG Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 10, 2015 4:46 PM in response to Loner T

Hi, thanks for your advice.

I booted into OS X Recovery but the disk utility there doesn't allow me to erase my internal drive. Is that means that I can't make those partitions into one?

Reply

Answer 3

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 11, 2015 3:06 AM in response to 7153NG

You need to be Internet Recovery (and must see a spinning globe) before you can erase your internal drive. You should try to get the Recovery using Command+Opt+R.

Reply

Answer 4

7153NG Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 11, 2015 3:08 AM in response to Loner T

Thank you so much, Loner T. It worked!!🙂

Reply

Answer 5

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 11, 2015 5:05 AM in response to 7153NG

Please ensure you have fresh backups.

Reply