If your computer does not have an SSD, then do not format it using APFS. I'm not sure how to help you because you did not include which specific model of MBP you have: To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities' folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right. You may also find the complete model information by selecting About This Mac from the Apple menu. To perform an Internet Recovery your computer must be eligible. If your computer did not come with installation DVDs when it was new, then you can use Internet Recovery:
Internet/Network Recovery of El Capitan or Later on a Clean Disk
If possible back up your files before proceeding.
- Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the (Command-Option-R) keys 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 APFS (SSDs only) or 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.
Note:
1. To install the version of OS X that was currently installed use Command-Option-R.
2. To install the original factory version when the computer was new use Command-Option-Shift-R.
