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GregMBP

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 10, 2024
4
1
Hi all - looking for help.

Late 2013 Macbook Pro that I was following this
https://support.apple.com/en-us/102773
to reset and restore. I had Mac OS Big Sur so I was following the directions to Erase Your Mac section.

Unfortunately I am stuck at the next section and can't reinstall an OS.

I go into disk Utility currently and see this
IMG_2918.JPG


I'm assuming the problem is the disc isn't mounted? I can't find a good help tutorial that is fixing the problem. I'm tech aware enough, but not IT.
Can anyone help troubleshoot and walk me through (assuming more info is needed) as I'm trying to resell.

I also have a mac air to do the same for resale, but haven't started that process yet so hoping to work the bugs out on this.

Thanks!
 

Bigwaff

Contributor
Sep 20, 2013
2,740
1,830
If you are trying to erase disk and reinstall operating system, boot while holding down Command-R. This Recovery mode. In Recovery, open Disk Utility, select Apple SSD, and erase using name Macintosh HD. Once erased, quit Disk Utility, and select Install Mac OS. During install, select Macintosh HD.
 

GregMBP

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 10, 2024
4
1
I have erased the drive, but when i go reinstall OS X, and I get to the step to select a drive to Install, there is no option available.
So how or where do I need to backtrack to fix that problem

IMG_2919.JPG
 

Bigwaff

Contributor
Sep 20, 2013
2,740
1,830
I have erased the drive, but when i go reinstall OS X, and I get to the step to select a drive to Install, there is no option available.
Quit OS X installer. Go back to Disk Utility. Your Apple SSD "Macintosh HD" should look like this screen shot. If it does not, report back with a screenshot or detailed explanation of what you see.
Screenshot 2024-08-10 at 5.33.18 PM.png
 

GregMBP

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 10, 2024
4
1
I don't have that option - I erased as it told me but clearly did something amiss in that process. This is what I see.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2922.JPG
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Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,239
13,313
OP:
PRINT OUT this reply.
You'll need it for reference.

1. Boot to INTERNET recovery.
This is NOT THE SAME as "the recovery partition"

Power down, all the way off.
Command+OPTION+R at bootup
KEEP HOLDING THOSE KEYS DOWN until you're asked for your wifi password.

Then, enter it.
You should see "the spinning globe" that indicates the internet utilities are loading
BE PATIENT.

When the utilities have loaded, DO NOT run the installer yet.
Instead, open disk utilty.
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT
Check to see if there is a "view" menu.
If there is, you MUST go to it and select "show all devices".

Now, look at "the list on the left".
The TOPMOST item should be the physical drive inside.
We need to COMPLETELY erase it.
Click on it ONE TIME to select it, then choose "erase".

Erase to APFS, GUID partition format.
Now quit disk utility and open the OS installer.

The installer should offer OS 11 "Big Sur".
Start clicking through.
The Mac will reboot several times, and the screen will go dark for a minute or more with no other indications of activity. Just be patient.

When done, you should see the initial setup screen (choose your language)
CONNECT YOUR BACKUP DRIVE NOW, if you intend to use one.

Start clicking through.
Setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another drive.
YES you do, so "point the way" to the backup.
Give setup assistant time to "digest" everything.

SA will present you with a list of stuff to migrate.
I suggest you migrate everything.
Again, it may take a while (depending on how big the backup is).

When done, you should see your login screen, as before.

Good luck.

One other thing:
If you're just "resetting" it to sell or give away, DON'T BOTHER WITH SETUP.
When you see the initial setup screen (choose your language), just press AND HOLD DOWN the power button until the screen goes dark and the Mac shuts off.

It's now ready to hand over to the new owner.
 

Bigwaff

Contributor
Sep 20, 2013
2,740
1,830
After reviewing this thread again and OP posted pics, I believe the issue is because the SSD had been formatted Big Sur version of APFS. When attempting to install Mavericks, the file format is unknown, hence the drive can't be seen by the installer. @GregMBP needs to select the "251 GB APPLE SSD" in Disk Utility and click the "Partition" tab. Once on the "Partition" screen, click the "Partition Layout" drop-down and select "1 Partition". Don't forget to set the name to "Macintosh HD".
Screenshot 2024-08-12 at 12.38.43 PM.png

At the bottom, click "Options" and select "GUID Partition Table". Press "Ok".
Screenshot 2024-08-12 at 12.37.20 PM.png

Back on the "Partition" tab page, press "Apply". This will re-partition the drive and format the single partition as HFS+. Quit Disk Utility and reinstall Mac OS X. You should now be able to select the internal SSD drive.
 
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