Where do I find the erase and install option?

Donut9 · Dec 19th, 2009, 04:15 PM

I am installing Snow Leopard and want to COMPLETELY wipe every trace of existence from my drive and replace it with a fresh Snow Leopard....is it weird that I am reminded of the Genesis Project right now?

Anyway, I started to install it, and then quit because I didn't see any option to erase and install. I opened the installer from the DVD icon that appeared on my desktop btw.

So where is the erase and install option?

I clicked Utilities in the installer, but never saw an erase and install option. Snow Leopard is now installing, but I am going to have to redo it because it didn't erase anything. ARRGHH!!!!

SoyMac · Dec 19th, 2009, 04:34 PM

When you start the install process, at a certain, early stage you will see a small button toward the bottom left of the screen, that says, "custom install", or "options", or something like that.
It only appears on one page, so carefully look for it after every "continue" click.

I think it comes right after the license agreement pages.

It doesn't hurt to click "quit" and restart the process, so don't worry if you miss it a couple of times.

Good luck!

MacDoc · Dec 19th, 2009, 04:57 PM

Snow Leopard is an upgrade disc.
OP - you might also look at your PMs from time to time- save you much effort.

Donut9 · Dec 19th, 2009, 05:08 PM

Ok so something is wrong. In the instructions it says I have to click uitilities and then restart, which I did. That went fine. Then it says after I select a language I am supposed to click Utilities and then click my HD and click ease, but there is no such option. After I select a language, there is only the option to continue, or go back.

What am I missing?

MacDoc, if I recall, you are in Mississauga, and I am in courtice and I don't drive. I appreciate your help, but I am not going to pay someone to install an operating system for me. Also, if you were actually interested in helping, and not making a buck off of me, you wouldn't be sending me PMs to go to your store, you would be posting what to do on here.

ehMax · Dec 19th, 2009, 05:12 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Donut9
	I am installing Snow Leopard and want to COMPLETELY wipe every trace of existence from my drive and replace it with a fresh Snow Leopard....is it weird that I am reminded of the Genesis Project right now? Anyway, I started to install it, and then quit because I didn't see any option to erase and install. I opened the installer from the DVD icon that appeared on my desktop btw. So where is the erase and install option? I clicked Utilities in the installer, but never saw an erase and install option. Snow Leopard is now installing, but I am going to have to redo it because it didn't erase anything. ARRGHH!!!!

Apple took away the erase and install option from the snow leopard installer as an option as a safeguard. To erase and install, you have to use the disc utility. You erase the drive, then when complete, quit out of disc utility and you'll be taken back to the installer.

Donut9 · Dec 19th, 2009, 05:16 PM

Thanks ehMax.

So, I have never done this, and I can't seem to get out of the installer, so I might have to install SL a SECOND time before I can try this, but what do I do? I tried erasing my drive from Disk Utility before, and it wouldn't let me. I was told that it is because you can't erase the drive you are booted from. The only other drive right now I have is this iMac I used to back up some data.

Can you give me a step by step instruction please? I am very frustrated with all of this. I just want to erase my drive so I can reinstall some software to HOPEFULLY resolve some technical issues with a few Native Instruments products.

Manatus · Dec 19th, 2009, 05:19 PM

When you enter the installer, it will restart your computer and boot from the DVD. Therefore you will be able to use disk utility (from within the installer's menu bar) to erase your HD, because you will no longer be booted from it.

Donut9 · Dec 19th, 2009, 05:24 PM

Manatus thanks a LOT. That did it, finally.

ehMax · Dec 19th, 2009, 05:28 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Donut9
	Thanks ehMax. So, I have never done this, and I can't seem to get out of the installer, so I might have to install SL a SECOND time before I can try this, but what do I do? I tried erasing my drive from Disk Utility before, and it wouldn't let me. I was told that it is because you can't erase the drive you are booted from. The only other drive right now I have is this iMac I used to back up some data. Can you give me a step by step instruction please? I am very frustrated with all of this. I just want to erase my drive so I can reinstall some software to HOPEFULLY resolve some technical issues with a few Native Instruments products.

Sure... This should be it, or very close. If you're in the middle of the install, I'd probably wait for it to complete. You can always force the computer to stop by clicking and holding the power button for more than 5 seconds, but not the best for computers so only use if you are in a big hurry.

- Put Snow Leopard in your Mac. Restart the computer and hold the letter "c" key on your keyboard until you see the Apple Logo

- You'll get to a screen to select a language. Select (I'm assuming) English and then the blue arrow to continue

- You get a "Hi, Welcome to Snow Leopard Installer" or something like that. Up at the top, you to the menu "Utilities" and then to the Disk Utility.

- On the left hand side, select "Macintosh HD" like in the screen shot below

- Go to the "Erase" tab

- Click the "Erase" button. (Be sure to name the drive, "Macintosh HD")

- This will do a basic erase. If you want to 'Zero' the data so it writes 0's across the whole drive, click the "Security Options" first before clicking erase. This takes longer though, up to an hour or longer.

- When the erase is complete, Quit disc utility and then you'll be taken back to the Snow Leopard installer.

Donut9 · Dec 19th, 2009, 06:37 PM

Thank you all very much.

This thing is FAAAAAAAAAST!!!!!!!!