Mac won’t start after factory reset

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Level 1

4 points

Mac won’t start after factory reset

I bought a Mac online and while testing it decided I did not want the computer anymore as the seller had not been truthful about it’s problems. I went or factory reset it so I could send it back. SoI erased the disk with my information and closed the the pc, then opened it back up to see if it would prompt me as a “new user” like it’s supposed to. Instead it showed a folder with a question mark. I’ve followed every article online I can find and I can’t find anything! I’ve tried to get back to the macOS recovery center but it just shows a globe spinning with a clock that increases in number.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Aug 26, 2023 2:07 PM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

100,759 points

Aug 27, 2023 8:07 AM in response to ruthanneMar

" I’ve tried to get back to the macOS recovery center but it just shows a globe spinning with a clock that increases in number. "

This may indicate the computer is still functional enough to get to Internet Recovery Mode

If you can't start up from macOS Recovery - Apple Support (CA)

excerpt from from above link

If you're not asked to choose a Wi-Fi network during startup, choose a network from the Wi-Fi menu , if available.

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Answer 2

Barney-15E

Level 10

121,436 points

Aug 27, 2023 5:54 AM in response to ruthanneMar

What year/model Mac and what instructions did you follow?

You may not be able to get to Internet Recovery due to your network, not something you did to the Mac.

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Answer 3

ruthanneMar Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 27, 2023 5:43 AM in response to John Galt

It still won’t work and I do not have an Ethernet cable to connect to.

is it possible that I deleted something so important that the Mac will never start?

all I did was follow the instructions but maybe I messed it up somehow.

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Answer 4

ruthanneMar Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 27, 2023 12:12 PM in response to Barney-15E

I couldn’t find anything on apple so I followed a tutorial online. It was just supposed to factory reset my drive from the Utility Drive center (Idk if that’s the correct term. It’s the thing that pops up with you hold command + R)

I didn’t delete anything besides my information and then suddenly the computer won’t start up at all anymore. It just shows that globe spinning then gives up. :/

the internet isn’t great where I am but it was able to run the original startup for this MacBook so old why it wouldn’t be good now

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

153,844 points

Aug 26, 2023 2:30 PM in response to ruthanneMar

Take it from here:

"Learn what to do if your Mac can't start up from macOS Recovery."

If your Mac doesn't start up all the way - Apple Support

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Answer 6

John Galt

Level 10

153,844 points

Aug 27, 2023 2:29 PM in response to ruthanneMar

If the seller had not been truthful about that Mac's condition to begin with, I suggest you just send it back. You do not need to be burdened with its problems.

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Mac won’t start after factory reset

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