Need reformat without CD/DVD drive

Joined
Sep 16, 2014
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I have been trying to back up with Time machine with no luck, after 24 hours it looked like it had frozen up for the third time in a row. My cd/dvd drive won't take in disks so i do not have the option of using a dvd to do a reinstall. My Mac is fairly old so wont have a Recovery HD so i have created a USB version by downloading the Recovery Disk Assistant program. I have manually dragged my music, games and documents onto an external.

Now i just need to know what to do next? Will this recovery HD allow me to reformat? Do i go through disk utility first? I am a little nervous trying to reformat without knowing what i am doing and without having the option of using a DVD :\
 

chscag

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
65,248
Reaction score
1,833
Points
113
Location
Keller, Texas
Your Mac's Specs
2017 27" iMac, 10.5" iPad Pro, iPhone 8, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 Mini, Numerous iPods, Monterey
We need more info: Year and model of your Mac and which version of OS X are you currently running? And just for your information sake.... you can always purchase an external DVD drive to do the reinstall.
 
OP
J
Joined
Sep 16, 2014
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
1
iMac 24-inch Early 2009, Software - OSX 10.9.4 (13E28), Model A1225

Thanks, will keep that in mind as an option, but would be great if i could get this sorted without having to buy one
 
Joined
Dec 11, 2010
Messages
1,808
Reaction score
40
Points
48
Location
Chicago
Your Mac's Specs
late 2012 mini w/SSD
My Mac is fairly old so wont have a Recovery HD so i have created a USB version by downloading the Recovery Disk Assistant program

OS X 10.9 installs a hidden recovery partition. You access it by restarting and holding Option key or Command-r.
The USB installer is another option. Again, startup holding Option key.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top