i want to erase the HD from the iMAC (2009), as I don't need it anymore and I want to recycle it.
Or store it. Anyway the data needs to be deleted on the HD.
When I try to erase in the utilities the erase button is grey out, not able to click.
Any other options available?
Many thanks for all the great support so far.
iMac, macOS 10.13
You need to boot from a device other than the disk you wish to erase. Macs too old to use Recovery can use their original, grey, System Install DVD, a retail, white Mac OS X Snow Leopard DVD, Netboot, Target Disk Mode, a USB startup device... etc.
... the data needs to be deleted on the HD.
Assuming you encrypted that disk with FileVault then there is no need to erase it provided its FV encryption password remains secure and unknown to anyone other than you (which all passwords obviously should be). It's already as good as deleted.
Otherwise remove the hard disk drive and destroy it using whatever means may be at your disposal.
You need to boot from a device other than the disk you wish to erase. Macs too old to use Recovery can use their original, grey, System Install DVD, a retail, white Mac OS X Snow Leopard DVD, Netboot, Target Disk Mode, a USB startup device... etc.
... the data needs to be deleted on the HD.
Assuming you encrypted that disk with FileVault then there is no need to erase it provided its FV encryption password remains secure and unknown to anyone other than you (which all passwords obviously should be). It's already as good as deleted.
Otherwise remove the hard disk drive and destroy it using whatever means may be at your disposal.
One can't erase the same volume that they are booted into. You'll need to boot into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down - Intel Macs), select Disk Utilities from the menu bar, select and erase the boot drive. If you're going to recycle it that's all you need to do. Being a HD you might want to do a secure erase. Secure erase will take several hours or more depending on how many passes you choose. You'll be given the details in Disk Utility.
As John pointed out, a 2009 Mac did not have a Recovery Mode.
+1
... and the so-called "secure erase" never erased very securely either.
How can I erase the HD From the iMac (2009) without any USB reboot or any other disk?
