- Which Disk Image Do You Select For Reformat Machine
- Which Disk Image Do You Select For Reformat Macbook
- Which Disk Image Do You Select For Reformat Mac Hard Drive
Published on October 20th, 2013
Go to the Time Machine menu Open Time Machine preferences or choose Apple menu System Preferences Time Machine Once you have opened System Preferences, you can click 'Select Backup Disk', 'Select Disk,' or 'Add or Remove Backup Disk.' Select a backup disk. Top Level View of Formatting WD Elements for a Mac and a PC. Connect up your WD Elements drive to your Mac. You use Disk Utility. First to format your WD Elements external drive to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) file system. Then you quickly follow up by formatting to ExFAT.
How to properly Format/Reformat a hard drive for Mac OS
A hard drive or hard disk can be used in any type of computer, whether for PC (Windows) or for Mac. Before you can use it though, you need to properly format or reformat a hard drive so that it will become compatible or readable with the Operating System that you are using. In this guide I will show you how you can properly format/reformat a hard drive for Mac OS. Formatting a hard drive for Windows will be discussed in another article.
Formatting and Reformatting a hard drive or hard disk is an easy task (if you know how). But it is also dangerous as it can result in loosing data or corrupting the drive when it is not done properly.
Before I proceed, I will be explaining some few things regarding formatting a hard drive. But if you want to know the instructions in formatting and reformatting a hard drive, just scroll down to the instructions below.
First, why do we need to format and/or reformat a hard drive. I will name some reasons, common reasons why we need to do this.
1. Some hard drives are already pre-formatted for a certain platform or system, like when you buy it out of the box it’s already formatted for Mac or Windows. But when it is not, we need to format the drive.
2. Hard drives are formatted so that a particular platform or operating system will be able to read and recognize the drive, whether it is an internal drive or external drive.
3. Hard drives are reformatted because sometimes we need to do clean up and we just want to wipe everything out that is written in the drive.
4. Formatting/Reformatting a drive can also remove soft bad sectors. But not necessarily always. Sometimes when a drive has a physical bad sector, reformatting it could spread the damage.
5. We reformat a hard drive if we are switching from one platform to another (Windows to Mac and vice verse)
Back to the main topic, below is a step by step instruction on how to Format/Reformat a hard drive for Mac OS.
Warning: FORMATTING and REFORMATTING A DRIVE ERASES EVERYTHING. Proceed with caution. Do backup your files first.
Formatting/Reformatting a hard drive for a Mac
1. Open Disk Utility by clicking Finder -> Applications -> Utilities and finally click Disk Utility.
2. Choose the hard drive that you want to format or reformat. Make sure that it is the correct hard drive!
3. Go to the Partition Tab
4. Click the Current Volume Scheme drop down menu and choose One (1) partition.
5. Click Options, and from the Partition Scheme provided choose “GUID Partition Table” radio button or “Apple Partition Map” radio button.
6. Then click OK. Then key-in in the other options like Volume Name, Format and Size.
In this juncture, in the Format option, choose Mac OS for Mac OS X. Or MS-DOS File System otherwise.
7. Click Apply and the Partition Disk screen will open.
8. Click Partition. During this time the drive or volume will dismount and it will be partitioned and formatted. DO NOT TURN OFF OR RESTART your computer during this time!
Time Machine may pop up asking you to use the newly formatted drive for backups. Just cancel it to proceed.
9. After that, just exit Disk Utility and your done!
Hope this “format/reformat a hard drive for Mac” guide helped!
Below are some recommended Internal Hard drive and External Hard Drives that you might like. All of them are best sellers.
Currently Best Selling Internal Hard Drives
1. WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache – WD10EZEX
2. WD Red 3 TB NAS Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, SATA III, 64 MB Cache – WD30EFRX
3. Western Digital WD1002FAEX Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache Internal Desktop 3.5″ Hard Drive
4. Seagate Barracuda 3 TB HDD SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 7200 RPM 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST3000DM001
5. Western Digital 4 TB WD Green SATA III 5400 RPM 64 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive WD40EZRX
Currently Best Selling External Hard Drives
1. WD My Passport Ultra Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 with Auto and Cloud Backup
2. WD My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage
3. WD My Passport Portable External Hard Drive Storage USB 3.0
4. WD My Passport for Mac Portable External Hard Drive Storage USB 3.0
5. Seagate Backup Plus USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive
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Hello and welcome to my User Tip
Which Disk Image Do You Select For Reformat Machine
As people begin to sell their used Intel processor Mac's problems are occurring when the new owner wishes to wipe everything and make the machine their own due to complexity of reinstalling various OS X versions, AppleID conflicts etc, so I will attempt to clear up the issue and provide concrete procedures you need to follow.
The previous owner is supposed to remove any firmware passwords, erase everything and reinstall the OS X version that came with the machine or OS X 10.6 (if the machine originally came with 10.6, 10.5 or 10.4), but usually this doesn't occur and when the new owner goes to update OS X or reinstall the OS, they are blocked in some manner.
This User Tip is designed to cover Intel Mac's, older PPC processor based Mac's came with their own OS X disks or 10.5 upgrade disks and that's the last OS X version that can run on those machines. 10.5 is currently not supported for security issues etc., so if your using this, use it off the Internet.
OS X boot drives formatting
All OS X boot drives must be formatted in Apple's Disk Utility (as minimal) 1 Partition: Option: GUID and OS X Extended Journaled as the format.
All OS X boot hard drives (not Solid State Disks) should be futher erased with the Security Option: Zero All Data or move the slider one spot to the right, this has a effect of wiping all data off the drive and also eliminates bad sector issues that can prevent a drive from formatting or even installing OS X. It does take some time to complete but it's worth it to prevent drive issues later. If the drive fails the zero erase procedure, it's bad and requires replacement. Be glad to know it now than later on and takes your data with it.
If you require more complicated behind the scenes action then read these
Identifying the machine
First off if the machine is bootable to OS X, head to the Apple Menu > About This Mac and note the OS X version.
Then do > More Information and write down all what you see there.
What is important is the Model Identifier, the Serial Number and the Memory, get all this written down.
If the machine is not booting into OS X, then you will have to work from the Serial Number located on the outside of the machine or box someplace.
This Apple support document will assist you getting the Serial Number: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1349
If the machine is hold Command(⌘) r booting into RecoveryHD, or hold Command(⌘) Option/alt r booting into Internet Recovery (connected via Ethernet to router/modem (wired or built in keyboard needed for at boot key commands)
Then use Terminal and enter this command followed by the return/enter. With OS X being tied to a previous owners ID, you likely can't reinstall it.
ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber
Another method to get the profile of the machine is to use Apple's Hardware Test, which in some cases will provide Model Identifier and Serial Number as well as a host of other data about the machine, like the RAM etc. Apple also has links to identify the machine.
Newer machines download Hardware Test from Apple via the Internet, so connect a Ethernet cable (preferred) and press and hold the D key and boot the machine.
If your required to hold the D key down at boot, it takes awhile, so hold on for about 5-7 minutes.
You can try this to see if it works, no big deal if it doesn't, just see the link above and see if older Hardware Test versions will give you the reqired machine information.
This website will assist you in identifying the Model Identifier based upon the last 3 or 4 digits of the Serial Number.
The Model Indentifier looks like 'MacBook Pro 4,1' or similar.
You can also use the following Apple resources for assistance identifying your Mac NoteBook or Desktop:
To determine what OS your Mac NoteBook or Desktop shipped with you can use Mac OS X versions (builds) for computers.
Ok, at this point you should have the Serial Number and the Model Identifier at least.
Wired or built in keyboard needed
If the machine has a built in keyboard (laptops) then your ok, just use that. If the machine has a wireless keyboard, you will need to connect a wired one to proceed further.
A PC keyboard should work, the Windows key is the same as the Apple/Command Key and the option/alt is the same as well.
From now on, use the wired keyboard until your back setup on OS X and can establish a new wireless keyboard.
Checking for a Firmware Password
We need to check to see if a Firmware Password has been set on the used machine.
You can do this by holding Command⌘ V and booting the machine. What will occur differently when OS X is booting is you will see a black screen with a bunch of white text scrolling down and then presented by the log in screen or logging in as normal like before.
If your instead presented with a lock symbol and a request for a password, the a firmware password has been set and needs to be removed first before you can proceed.
You will need the firmware password to remove it, it's the ultimate lock down of a Mac designed for schools and security purposes. However it can be bypassed.
I recommend at this point you take the machine to a local Apple repair or store and have them reset the machine, as it involves doing internal work. Also you might want to take this opportunity to have them check the RAM amount and install more to max the machine of it's capacity to hold RAM, as it will perform better.
As a extra caution, I would bring receipts and proof of purchase of the used machine, because to Apple it technically belongs to another person on their records.
At this point there is no Firmware Password or it has been removed so the at boot key commands will work.
Last chance to backup any files
I do NOT advise TimeMachine being your only copy of your precious users files, make a copy of files to a normal regular external drive.
The reasons for this is TM is designed to restore the current machine owner, and if you come to find out it's all tied to the previous owner, your going to change that and thus may have troubles with TM.
So just having your user files on a external drive you can recover just those in your new setup.
Disconnect all drives when messing around with Disk Utility and OS X reinstalls to prevent TM from activating and making mistakes.
The quickest way to determine what you can do
Hold the Command⌘ Option r keys down using a wired or built in keyboard and boot the machine on a fast, reliable Internet connection using a Ethernet cable to your router (preferred) or connect using Wifi.
If you load Internet Recovery, then use that Disk Utility to erase the ENTIRE drive of all partitions, check under Partitions that the Partition: 1, Option: GUID and OS X Extended Journaled as the format, give it a name MacintoshHD and apply.
Quit Disk Utility from the file menu and install OS X using your AppleID and password.
This is the tester, if your AppleID and password is accepted and OS X begins installing, then your good to go.
You can upgrade to a later OS X version in AppStore or by calling Apple for the latest OS X version for that machine, they will send you a installer link.
If it doesn't install, it means that OS X version was purchased by the previous owner, you will need the 10.6 install disks.
More complicated OS X installs
Because OS X 10.7 (and up) upgrades are tied to a purchaser, like AppStore software is, they cannot be updated or reinstalled by another owner with a different AppleID and password.
Below is the lowdown on the more complicated OS X installs when Apple transitioned from boot disks to Internet only installs of OS X
If the machine was upgraded from OS X version 10.6.8 to 10.7:
Then using Internet Recovery (if the machine is capable of it) will restore OS X 10.7 as also will Recovery HD partition on the boot drive.
Only the original purchaser of 10.7 from the AppStore can reinstall OS X 10.7 using their AppleID and password.
Other owners will have to reinstall OS X 10.6 first via the appropriate 10.6 install disks, then can upgrade to the latest OS X version the machine supports via AppStore, or by calling Apple and ordering one of the later versions the machine supports and receiving a link to the download
If the machine was upgraded from OS X version 10.6.8 to 10.8:
Which Disk Image Do You Select For Reformat Macbook
Then using Internet Recovery (if the machine is capable of it) will restore 10.8 as also will Recovery HD partition on the boot drive.
Only the original purchaser of 10.8 from the AppStore can reinstall OS X 10.8 using their AppleID and password.
Other owners will have to reinstall OS X 10.6 first via the appropriate 10.6 install disks, then can upgrade to the latest OS X version the machine supports via AppStore, or by calling Apple and ordering one of the later versions the machine supports and receiving a link to the download.
If the machine was upgraded from OS X version 10.6.8 to 10.7, then from 10.7 to 10.8:
Then using Internet Recovery (if the machine is capable of it) will restore 10.7 and Recovery HD partition on the boot drive will restore 10.8.
Only the original purchaser of 10.7 from the AppStore can reinstall OS X 10.7 using their AppleID and password.
Only the original purchaser of 10.8 from the AppStore can reinstall OS X 10.8 using their AppleID and password.
Other owners will have to reinstall OS X 10.6 first via the appropriate 10.6 install disks, then can upgrade to the latest OS X version the machine supports via AppStore, or by calling Apple and ordering one of the later versions the machine supports and receiving a link to the download.
If the machine came with OS X 10.7 installed from the factory and upgraded to 10.8:
Then using Internet Recovery will restore 10.7 and Recovery HD partition will restore 10.8
Any owner can install 10.7 from Internet Recovery, but a AppleID and password is required.
Only the original purchaser of 10.8 from the AppStore can reinstall OS X 10.8 using their AppleID and password.
Other owners will have to reinstall OS X 10.7 first via Internet Recovery, then can upgrade to the latest OS X version the machine supports via AppStore, or by calling Apple and ordering one of the later versions the machine supports and receiving a link to the download.
The following machines are capable of installing OS X 10.6:
All Intel processor Mac's prior to 2011 will install OS X 10.6 with the 10.6.3 white retail disks sold online provided the machine originally came from the factory installed with OS X 10.6.2 or earlier.
All Intel processors Mac's prior to 2011 and released with OS X 10.6.3 or later originally installed from the factory require model specific install disks only attained by directly calling Apple and ordering them.
All Mac's sold new after January 2011 until apx July 20, 2011 (when OS X 10.7 was released) require model specific OS X 10.6 (10.6.3+) install disks that can only be attained by calling Apple directly.
Nearly all Mac's sold after July 20, 2011 came with factory installs of OS X 10.7, the firmware will refuse to boot off the 10.6 disks even if they are the model specific ones, however if OS X 10..6 can be put on the drive via Firewire Target Disk mode or removing the drive and using another Mac, then the Mac will boot from it.
How to find out what OS X 10.6 disks to use:
If your unsure of what OS X install disks will work, you can use the Model Indentifier (ex: MacBook Pro 4,2) to consult the free MacTracker as to find out what OS X version originally shipped on that machine (not perfect for 2011) or call Apple and provide the machines serial number.
The machines serial number or model identifier can be located in software or outside the machine: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1349
Which Disk Image Do You Select For Reformat Mac Hard Drive
Or if you have the machine connected to a Internet you can boot the machine while holding D down for about 7 minutes to load Hardware Test which has a pane at the top to select and provides the information.
How to erase and install OS X 10.6:
Make sure to erase the ENTIRE drive by selecting the drive makers name and disk size at the top, it's so the hidden partitions of later OS X versions are totally erased, thus if you decide to upgrade to later OS X versions via AppStore, they will install the hidden partitions more appropriate for you.
Also if you want to stick with Snow Leopard, the 10.6 install disk version of Disk Utility will be able to properly repair the drive if need be.
More information:
Any non-Internet Recovery capable machines with a new or completely erased boot drive (thus no RecoveryHD partition) will need the appropriate 10.6 install disks or USB thumb drive.
Internet installs of OS X require a fast, reliable, stable and no data capped/restricted size download capability.
All OS X 10.6 disks contain the entire operating system, despite their capability of appearing to upgrade older OS X versions of 10.4/10.5, rather what occurs is the older version is replaced in favor of the newer one, users accounts, files and most programs are left intact.
All OS X AppStore upgrades are also the same, they replace the older version with the newer one, leaving user accounts and most programs intact.
OS X 10.6 white retail disks don't contain the free iLife suite that is on the model specific OS X install disk versions.
iLife can be reinstalled from the OS X 10.6, 10.5 and 10.4 disks or extracted using Pacifist from CharlesSoft, Software Update to bring them current
Free iLife that came on factory installs of OS X 10.7 and up also can be restored if they are not tied to a particular AppleID yet, this occurs if a person buys a 'open box' and the previous customer has returned the machine, the store will wipe the drive of all data, can reinstall OS X from Internet Recovery, but can't reinstall the free iLife. As long as the previous customer didn't accept it in AppStore, it can be reinstalled on the machine by the next owner.
Good Luck 🙂
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