can't get past the blinking question mark on startup

tried to erase Mac to pass on to another. I apparently erased the startup disk. Upon startup, I just get a blinking folder with a question mark in it. I can't get any further.

iMac 27″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Jan 6, 2023 7:48 AM

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Posted on Jan 6, 2023 9:27 AM

There is a process to prepare a Mac to dispose of it. You erased the disk and its operating system. In order to function, an OS needs to be reinstalled. Restart the Mac in the Internet Recovery mode by pressing the Command + Option + R keys on startup to reload the OS that the Mac originally came with.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 6, 2023 9:27 AM in response to kathrnlnc

There is a process to prepare a Mac to dispose of it. You erased the disk and its operating system. In order to function, an OS needs to be reinstalled. Restart the Mac in the Internet Recovery mode by pressing the Command + Option + R keys on startup to reload the OS that the Mac originally came with.

Jan 8, 2023 2:55 AM in response to kathrnlnc

Was the method from Apple uSed to Erase the Drive


link below


Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac


Then this method from Apple to commence the reinstallation


link below


How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support (CA)


Important : in the second step, it will Require a Functioning Internet Connection as it will need to communicate the the Apple Servers to re-download the Operating System


It is suggest to use an Ethernet Cable to Router for a more reliable and speedy connection.



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can't get past the blinking question mark on startup

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