Everything worked out fine. I logged into recovery mode with command R at boot
up, then I use disc utility to delete the Macintosh HD data volumes. Then I ran
into a problem erasing and reformatting the main Macintosh HD system drive, but
looking up online I saw that all I need to do is reboot a
This is a pre-T2 Mac so your only option for a properly clean install is to
boot an external disk containing the latest macOS installer for your model or,
if you can get some sighted help and the process still works, using Internet
Recovery. Happily there are absolutely no restrictions in doing
The below link is to an article from Apple Insider on how to reset a Mac to
factory default.
It is from 2020, but should be relevant for your older Mac running Catalina.
https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/02/20/how-to-factory-reset-a-macbook-pro-and-when-to-do-it
HTH.
- Brad -
On Jan 5, 20
