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Unable to install MacOS after wiping computer

I tried to wipe my computer and put it back to factory settings. The first time I did it, it was APFS and it told be there was a problem when I tried to reinstall MacOS Mojave. So I looked up a work around (what I found said it had to do with my computer being a bit older than the current system and APFS?) and now I am on MacOS Sierra. That one said an error occurred and to try again when I tried to install it. I have not been able to figure out how to get the OS reinstalled correctly or how to repair the disk/drive (?). I tried running first aid and it’s telling me there is a problem. I also tried erasing Macintosh HD again but it’s says the erase process has failed. My computer is also already in internet recovery mode and the other recovery mode will not open. It always shows the globe when I do R + Command.



MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Aug 30, 2020 8:05 PM

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Posted on Aug 30, 2020 10:04 PM

I’m not quite sure how it happened but it’s all working now. I had shut down after that last attempt and rebooted, as well as following this https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8151713. I did the Command+option+p+r thing mentioned in one of the steps and then it let me wipe and reformat it the way it was supposed to and downloaded the OS.

Thank you very much for your help.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 30, 2020 10:04 PM in response to Kappy

I’m not quite sure how it happened but it’s all working now. I had shut down after that last attempt and rebooted, as well as following this https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8151713. I did the Command+option+p+r thing mentioned in one of the steps and then it let me wipe and reformat it the way it was supposed to and downloaded the OS.

Thank you very much for your help.

Aug 30, 2020 8:29 PM in response to Atyre77

Internet/Network Recovery of El Capitan or Later on a Clean Disk


You will need a fast, working Internet connection, preferably, Ethernet. If you must use Wi-Fi, you will be asked to select your network and enter the network password. This procedure will install the current version of macOS that is compatible with your model.


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately, at or before the chime, hold down the (Command-Option-R) keys until a globe appears.
  2. The Utility Menu will appear in from 5-20 minutes. Be patient.
  3. Select Disk Utility and click on the Continue button.
  4. When Disk Utility loads select the target drive (out-dented entry w/type and size) from the side list.
  5. Click on the Erase button in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.
  6. Set the partition scheme to GUID.
  7. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs, only if installing Mojave or Catalina ) or Mac OS Extended, (Journaled.)
  8. Provide a volume name, usually "Macintosh HD."
  9. Click on the Apply button, then click on the Done button when it activates.
  10. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  11. Select Install OS X and click on the Continue button.


Unable to install MacOS after wiping computer

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