How to erase hard drive on early 2009 iMac

Question

How to erase hard drive on early 2009 iMac

I am unable to erase hard drive using the following instructions: Restart iMac Holding down command and R key. Disk Utility (should be on screen) Check continue, choose start up disk,click erase button, choose Mac OS Extended, Click Erase. When I start up and hold down Command and R. Disk Utility screen does not appear. Desktop picture cones on as usual. What am I missing or doing wrong? I just want to erase h/d as I will give the computer to the Hope Truck. Please advise. Thank you.

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6), early 2009 model imac 20 inch

Posted on Nov 20, 2018 6:12 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 20, 2018 7:00 PM in response to Niel

Thanks for your prompt response. I don't have an Install DVD Disk. Is there another way to erase? The instructions sound so simple, however, I can't get it to work for me. I just bought a new iMac running Mojave. Really beautiful...

Lois Erickson

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

685,209 points

Nov 20, 2018 7:49 PM in response to loisfrompalo alto

If you are running El Capitan, go to the App Store purchases tab, and download the El Capitan installer. Quit it when it opens. You can make a bootable USB stick to install using these free programs which will do all the work for you. Insert the drive and reboot the computer holding down the option/alt key. Select the USB drive and boot from it. Use Disk Utility to erase/reformat the internal hard drive.

Bootable USB Flash Drive – Diskmaker X Disk Creator oruse Apple’s method Create a bootable installer for OS

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Answer 3

Niel

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Level 10

741,083 points

Nov 20, 2018 6:14 PM in response to loisfrompalo alto

Insert a compatible Mac OS X install DVD, restart with the C or Option key held down, and run the Disk Utility from there.

(166169)

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Answer 4

Nov 21, 2018 1:52 PM in response to Niel

Hi, I found the original iMac Mac OS Install DVD and Mac OS X Snow Leopard disks. Will either disk work to erase hard drive? I am still a novice dealing with computer issues.

Thank you,

Lois Erickson

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Answer 5

Niel

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Level 10

741,083 points

Nov 21, 2018 1:56 PM in response to loisfrompalo alto

Yes.

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How to erase hard drive on early 2009 iMac

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