Erase files and reinstall mac OS sierra on MAC 2011 error

I have erased the files on my 2011 MAC desktop to give to a friend and began to install macOS sierra. It takes it down to the seconds and reverts to -404 seconds remaining and I have given it plenty of time. I tried 3 times. I hit cancel, took me to mac os utilities, disk utility indicates erase process has failed. Yes I am connected to WiFi

Posted on Jan 21, 2023 01:16 PM

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3 replies

Jan 21, 2023 02:19 PM in response to haniet1234

Try formatting the Disk to ExFAT, then again to MacOS Extended Journaled.


Start up from macOS Recovery

To start up from macOS Recovery, turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold one of the following combinations on your keyboard. Command-R is generally recommended, especially if you never installed macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later… How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Command (⌘)-R

Install the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac.


Option-⌘-R

Upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.


Shift-Option-⌘-R

Install the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.


2. Decide whether to erase (format) your disk

If you need to erase your disk before installing macOS, select Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click Continue. You probably don't need to erase, unless you're selling or giving away your Mac or have an issue that requires you to erase. Learn more about when and how to erase.

3. Install macOS

After starting up from macOS Recovery, follow these steps to install macOS:

  1. Choose Reinstall macOS (or Reinstall OS X) from the Utilities window.
  2. Click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions to choose your disk and begin installation.
  3. If the installer asks to unlock your disk, enter the password you use to log in to your Mac. If it doesn't see your disk, or it says that it can't install on your computer or volume, you might need to erase your disk


  1. Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time.

If your Mac restarts to a setup assistant, but you're selling or giving it away, press Command-Q to quit the assistant without completing setup. Then click Shut Down. When the new owner starts up the Mac, they can use their own information to complete setup.



If you never installed macOS Sierra 10.12.4

If macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later was never installed on your Mac, macOS Recovery works differently:

  • Command-R is still the recommended way to start up from macOS Recovery. This combination makes sure that the installation isn't associated with your Apple ID, which is important if you're selling or giving away your Mac.
  • Option-Command-R installs the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
  • Shift-Option-Command-R isn't available.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support 


Jan 22, 2023 08:14 AM in response to BDAqua

Thank you for your reply. All of these steps above were completed, multiple times. Computer trying to install macOS Sierra, but it continues to stop at "about -405 seconds remaining" Prior to that it counts down from 5 minutes to 23 seconds, and converts to -405. I cannot go past that screen. I waited. Clicked Cancel and it takes me back to screen to restore for backup, reinstall macOS, get help online, disk utility. This is all the further my computer will go. Any other Ideas?

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Erase files and reinstall mac OS sierra on MAC 2011 error

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