MacBook - Unable to Reformat MacBook

lilmur03 · lilmur03 #1 (**permalink**)

09-04-2009, 09:46 PM

When I try to erase the HD using Disk Utility so I can wipe it clean and reinstall OS X, it shows the option to Erase the Disk but it is greyed out and wont allow me to click on it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

bobtomay · bobtomay #2 (**permalink**)

09-04-2009, 09:57 PM

Sounds like you're trying to format the disk while you're booted up in OS X. Can't format a disk you're running from.

You need to insert your OS X disk, reboot while holding C and use Disk Utility from the menu there.

lilmur03 · lilmur03 #3 (**permalink**)

09-04-2009, 10:13 PM

When I do that it gives me the option to install Mac OS X. If I choose the HD and install, will it wipe out the old?

Thanks for your help!!

dtravis7 · dtravis7 #4 (**permalink**)

09-04-2009, 10:18 PM

No. You boot from the OSX DVD, when you get to the installer, look up top at the toolbar. I believe it's the Utilities drop down. Click that and on Disk Utility. Then Erase the drive.

lilmur03 · lilmur03 #5 (**permalink**)

09-04-2009, 10:20 PM

Got it!! Thanks Guys! Much appreciated!!

lilmur03 · lilmur03 #6 (**permalink**)

09-04-2009, 11:00 PM

Ok...one last question. Do I choose the main drive? The 55.9 GB Toshiba, or the sub drive (Macintosh HD).

Thanks again!

bobtomay · bobtomay #7 (**permalink**)

09-04-2009, 11:22 PM

Am assuming that the partition - MacIntosh HD - is using the entire drive - in which case, choosing it and formatting will be adequate.

lilmur03 · lilmur03 #8 (**permalink**)

09-04-2009, 11:28 PM

Sweet!! Seems to have worked. Thank you!

bobtomay #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 21,794 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	09-04-2009, 09:57 PM Sounds like you're trying to format the disk while you're booted up in OS X. Can't format a disk you're running from. You need to insert your OS X disk, reboot while holding C and use Disk Utility from the menu there. I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus. Place your vote for our Member of the Month
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dtravis7 #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 04, 2005 Location: Modesto, Ca. Posts: 25,788 Mac Specs: iMac C2D Late 2007 20" with 10.8.3, Macbook Santa Rosa 4GB Ram OSX 10.8.3	09-04-2009, 10:18 PM No. You boot from the OSX DVD, when you get to the installer, look up top at the toolbar. I believe it's the Utilities drop down. Click that and on Disk Utility. Then Erase the drive. ...Dennis Mac-Forums Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

bobtomay #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 21,794 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	09-04-2009, 11:22 PM Am assuming that the partition - MacIntosh HD - is using the entire drive - in which case, choosing it and formatting will be adequate. I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus. Place your vote for our Member of the Month
	QUOTE Thanks

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lilmur03 #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 04, 2009 Posts: 8	09-04-2009, 09:46 PM When I try to erase the HD using Disk Utility so I can wipe it clean and reinstall OS X, it shows the option to Erase the Disk but it is greyed out and wont allow me to click on it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
	QUOTE Thanks

lilmur03 #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 04, 2009 Posts: 8	09-04-2009, 10:20 PM Got it!! Thanks Guys! Much appreciated!!
	QUOTE Thanks

lilmur03 #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 04, 2009 Posts: 8	09-04-2009, 11:00 PM Ok...one last question. Do I choose the main drive? The 55.9 GB Toshiba, or the sub drive (Macintosh HD). Thanks again!
	QUOTE Thanks

lilmur03 #8 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 04, 2009 Posts: 8	09-04-2009, 11:28 PM Sweet!! Seems to have worked. Thank you!
	QUOTE Thanks

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