Level 1

79 points

Help, restored Macintosh HD to OS X Base System

Help! I accidentally restored Macintosh HD to OS X Base System. Didn't know that would cause issues... I can only open my laptop through the Command+R thing with macOS Installer.

I was just trying to delete everything and start my Macbook fresh. I tried to re-install OS X Sierra, and it keeps failing. When I go to disk utility under internal, there's no Macintosh HD there's only OS X Base System.

Tried to ask Apple Support for help and they first told me to try first aid and that failed.

They told me to go to a service center, but I wanted to see if there are any solutions I could try.

Thanks!

It's a 2015 Macbook Pro.

Posted on Feb 11, 2017 4:55 PM

Top-ranking reply

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Posted on Feb 11, 2017 7:53 PM

The OS X Base system should be a disk image a little over 2 GB in size. Is that all you see? Maybe indented under something called "Apple disk image Media".

So do you also see a hard disk icon identified by a brand name, such as "Apple SSD"? If so, when you highlight it, what does it say in the white box underneath in terms of partition map and capacity? Is it called "disk0" at the bottom right? Does it look like it might be your real hard drive?

If so, what happens if you try to erase it? You should get a drop down that gives you a place to enter a name (Macintosh HD), a format that says "Mac OS Extended (Journaled), and a scheme called "GUID Partition Map". If this is really your hard drive, then this step should recreate your Macintosh HD volume.

If that works, you should be able to continue with the installation of macOS.

Good luck!

View in context

42 replies

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Feb 12, 2017 4:15 AM in response to minjun1014

Yes it is. You are accessing the utilities online instead of from your internal SSD.

Sep 9, 2017 7:17 AM in response to WaffleFallafle

I would like to thank you for this post!! I was trying to reset my MacBook that I had gotten used and I completely messed it up because I have never used a MacBook in my life and I am most familiar with Windows. I thought it was unrepairable and my fiance and I spent hours trying to fix it. We were googling for hours and had almost given up until I came across this post and gave it a shot and it worked I was able to redownload the macOS and I couldn't be more thankful! So thank you!!

Nov 25, 2017 3:25 AM in response to WaffleFallafle

Oh my gosh! Thank you so much! I have been at this for hours, trying to restore my BRAND NEW Mac Pro!! It’s a long story. Lol. But I was stuck until I finally found your answer! Now my only problem is the only keyboard layout option now is U.S. the extended and Canada options are gone. Hope it still works as good without the extended keyboard... anyway, just wanted to say thanks!

Jan 12, 2018 4:54 AM in response to FerGlaz

See my reply to the original post today (12-01-2018). I figured out why WaffleFallafle’s reply won’t work sometimes.

Jan 13, 2018 4:31 AM in response to WaffleFallafle

Can’t thank you enough. Followed your directions word for word. Had a variety of issues in this frustrating process and you helped me out. Cheers!

Zednore

Level 1

8 points

Jan 27, 2018 6:12 AM in response to WaffleFallafle

tq dude. solved my problems...

Zednore

Level 1

8 points

Feb 6, 2018 4:12 PM in response to SidGrewal

I followed Wafflefallafle’s instructions except for the ctrl+option+R which should be Command+option+R. works fine.

Feb 21, 2018 5:32 PM in response to daveb9998

Thanks dave ,i surfed all day till i found you and it worked ,mine mid 2011

Feb 25, 2018 2:22 AM in response to WaffleFallafle

Brilliant and simple to do, thanks for putting this on.

Syu24

Level 1

4 points

Mar 14, 2018 9:27 PM in response to minjun1014

Hello, I am experiencing the same issue you had. I was wondering how you were able to get out of the recovery mode?

ande6163

Level 1

4 points

Mar 17, 2018 8:41 AM in response to WaffleFallafle

I wish I could give you a hug right now. Thank you so much.

boroles

Level 1

4 points

Apr 6, 2018 11:15 PM in response to S.U.

thanks very much your easy guide sorted my problem out,thanks again buddy

Sarem01

Level 1

8 points

Oct 15, 2017 3:05 PM in response to WaffleFallafle

If my laptop isn’t backed up at all will this erase my whole drive?

Dec 6, 2017 9:37 PM in response to WaffleFallafle

I tried it but when internet recovery done, white screen appear.. i hate it i cant access diskutility cause of high sierra os.

Chronology : i dont mind to upgrade but i clicked it and cant cancel it. So i let the high sierra on progress download and then my macbook pro 2012 elcapitan broken into whitescreen. Usb boot cant be access, disk utility from internet recovery too, my dvd room suddenly broken, i hate apple future..

hitmee

Level 1

4 points

Apr 25, 2017 6:24 PM in response to WaffleFallafle

Very Helpful post!

just to add, although system said it takes 6 mins to install, is more like 60mins!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Help, restored Macintosh HD to OS X Base System