I've tried to use Command+R to get into recovery mode to access disk utility in order to erase my 2009 iMAC for recycling. My computer just keeps loading normally. What else can I try?
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
There is no recovery partition on 10.6.8. You need to insert a Mac OS X install DVD and restart with the C or Option key held down.
(138556)
Ahhhh. So now I have the Mac HD Icon and the arrow but when I click it nothing happens. I'm sure I'm making this way too hard.....:-(
Insert the DVD, press the button with the curly arrow if needed, click on the DVD, and then on the straight arrow.
(138557)
When I insert the DVD, the screen does not change. Still just shows the Macintosh HD icon and the straight arrow pointing to it. When I click the arrow nothing happens.Almost like the DVD is not being recognized.
First, make sure the DVD is good. While you are still in the Finder insert the DVD. It should mount or give you an error message. If it mounts, then restart your Mac and hold down the option key. Give it a little time. It takes some time for the DVD to show.
I inserted the DVD. Finder did NOT give me an error nor did I see anything that suggested Finder recognized it. I held down the option key for 3 mins - just a blank white screen and no sounds to indicate the DVD was running :-(
If the Finder doesn't mount it, i.e. it shows either on the desktop or the sidebar, it's not going to show or run from the Startup Manager. You don't have to hold the option key down the entire time btw.
Sounds like the drive may have a problem. The DVD should at least mount or give an error message.
So is there no way I can wipe this computer for recycling? 😟
If you have a second Mac you could use Target Disk Mode and erase it from the second Mac.
question: can you eject the DVD?
I have another Mac and a MacBook Pro. Can I use either device to utilize Target Disk Mode? Can you please direct me to the instructions to do this?
Yes - I can eject the DVD
Question: Can you eject the DVD? If you can the drive would seem to be ok.
Share files between two computers with target disk mode - Apple Support
Connect them with a FireWire cable, start up the iMac with the T key held down, and use the Disk Utility on the MacBook Pro.
(138561)
Sorry, I kind of doubled my efforts.
How are you ejecting the DVD if you can't see it in the Fnder or sidebar?
Unable to access disk utility via Command R to erase 2009 iMac for recycling. What else can I try?
