TARGET DISK FAILED TO MOUNT

Question

Level 2

235 points

TARGET DISK FAILED TO MOUNT

I attached a new Macbook Pro via Thunderbolt to my Imac & started up the Macbook in Target Disk mode but the SSD in the Macbook failed to mount. The screen shows the proper moving image for a Mac in Target Disk.

For additional info the internal SSD is loaded with personal info that I want to erase but there is a problem with booting the Macbook (I get a circle with a slash through it when I try to boot it). I think that this is a result of my efforts to transfer info, via Super Duper, corrupting the system.

Now all I want to do is erase the Macbook so I can return it. It's only 2 days since I bought it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Harris

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Feb 4, 2017 10:08 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Feb 4, 2017 10:11 AM in response to Harris Miller

Clean Install of El Capitan or Sierra

If possible backup your data before continuing.

Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command-Option-Rkeys until a globe appears.
The Utility Menu will appear in from 5-20 minutes. Be patient.
Select Disk Utility and click on the Continue button.
When Disk Utility loads select the drive (usually, the out-dented entry) from the side list.
Click on the Erase tab in Disk Utility's main window. A panel will drop down.
Set the partition scheme to GUID.
Set the Format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
Click on the Apply button, then click on the Done button when it activates.
Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.

This should install the version of OS X that was pre-installed when the computer was new.

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Answer 2

Harris Miller Author

Level 2

235 points

Feb 4, 2017 10:56 AM in response to Kappy

Kappy, you are a lifesaver & I very much appreciate your quick response. I was unaware of this method.

Thanks again,

Harris

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