Deleted incorrect volume during reset.

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Level 1

4 points

Deleted incorrect volume during reset.

I was resetting my old MacBook so I can give it to my daughter. I was following the steps in the article about using Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac. Step 8 said to select any other volumes listed on the sidebar and delete them. In tiny, tiny print just below that is said to disregard any volume named Macintosh HD. Well... I deleted that one because my eyes just kind of slid past the tiny print. Now I don't have a disk to select when trying to reinstall Big Sur. Any ideas on how to fix this or is my vintage laptop done forever? (2014 MacBook Air)

MacBook Air

Posted on Apr 28, 2022 2:54 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

a brody

Level 10

84,055 points

Apr 28, 2022 4:10 PM in response to CorvyMarie

Internet restore.

command-option-shift-R at startup, use Disk Utility to view all devices from the view menu and erase. It may already appear to be invisible, if it was running Mojave or later since APFS is invisible to OSes earlier than High Sierra.

Select the top most device, and erase and reformat HFS Extended GUID. This will allow you to install the original OS that came with it, which is likely either Mavericks or Yosemite. Thankfully all Macs newer than July 22, 2011 offer this kind of restore.

Once restored, follow the upgrade process to Mojave or later. Note, you won't be able to go higher than Big Sur.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

146,516 points

Apr 28, 2022 4:20 PM in response to CorvyMarie

It's not a problem and you didn't do anything wrong.

Please refer to Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support, where you will find even more easily overlooked small print.

The essence of your concern is explained in Step 4. "The device" in that step refers to the entire storage device, meaning not a volume or partition subordinate to that device — such as what is shown selected in your first screenshot. In your case, you will need to select "Apple SSD xxx Media" and not a container within it.

For the file system format select Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Steps 1 and 8 are optional and inapplicable respectively.

You can then proceed with reinstalling macOS.

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