Disc Utility issue - trying to erase hdd, but erase tab is greyed out?

[Whackintosh]

Does anyone know what I can do. I'm selecting my full 1TB drive and "erase", naming options etc are greyed out. Same thing is happening if I select Macintosh HD. Not sure what to do?

 

[Satori]

Does anyone know what I can do. I'm selecting my full 1TB drive and "erase", naming options etc are greyed out. Same thing is happening if I select Macintosh HD. Not sure what to do?

If this is your start up disk, you won't be able to erase it.

 

[Whackintosh]

If this is your start up disk, you won't be able to erase it.

Ah. In that case, how do I erase all files and personal info?

 

[Satori]

Ah. In that case, how do I erase all files and personal info?

I suggest that you create a new admin account. Then you can securely erase your user account from within the new account.

 

[Whackintosh]

That's more work than I'd expected it to require, but it makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Whackintosh]

Worked perfectly. Thanks for your help, Satori!