Please help- How to revert back to Mac OS after single and only Windows partition?

[sidirops]

Hi all,

I have a macbook air 11.6 inch (late 2010). A couple of years ago I had to use windows 7 for work so I installed the operating system. Unfortunately because I have a 64Gb ssd I was struggling for space. I read on the net that its possible to install just windows without mac osx, so i did. Now I need to go back to mac osx since I dont need windows anymore. I have tried to boot from the macosx dvd but with no luck. I also tried to boot to the initial macosx boot partition (without the osx operating system) and then start the install from there. Again no luck as the external drive starts I see the grey screen of macos but the install never happens!!

Please your help would be really appreciated!!!

Best regards,

sidirops

[justperry]

I am not sure you're firmware was updated, if it was you might try to boot into internet recovery.
Hold the Command-R at startup, what happens?

[KPOM]

Originally Posted by sidirops

I have tried to boot from the macosx dvd but with no luck. I also tried to boot to the initial macosx boot partition (without the osx operating system) and then start the install from there.

Are you sure you are using the right recovery media? I thought the late 2010s came with a tiny USB key rather than a recovery DVD. Perhaps it isn't installing because it is the wrong OS version. I believe the late 2010s shipped with 10.6.8. I do see a few eBay listings for "MacBook Air USB Key" so they are floating around if you don't have yours.

My advice is to take it to a Genius Bar and see if they can install the OS for you or get you one of the recovery keys.

Originally Posted by justperry

I am not sure you're firmware was updated, if it was you might try to boot into internet recovery.
Hold the Command-R at startup, what happens?

That probably didn't happen since you need OS X to update the firmware.

[justperry]

Originally Posted by KPOM

That probably didn't happen since you need OS X to update the firmware.

Yeah, that's what I thought as well, if the OP had Windows only he would not be able to do so.

[phairphan]

Originally Posted by KPOM

Are you sure you are using the right recovery media? I thought the late 2010s came with a tiny USB key rather than a recovery DVD. Perhaps it isn't installing because it is the wrong OS version. I believe the late 2010s shipped with 10.6.8. I do see a few eBay listings for "MacBook Air USB Key" so they are floating around if you don't have yours.

My advice is to take it to a Genius Bar and see if they can install the OS for you or get you one of the recovery keys.



That probably didn't happen since you need OS X to update the firmware.

I suspect this is the problem too. As KPOM said, 2010 Airs came only with a USB key. The earliest version of the OS included was a modified version of 10.6.4. You'll need at least 10.6.5 to be able to install.

[sidirops]

Hi guys,

Firstly I would like to thank you all for your very quick reply!! Its really appreciated!

I think you are all correct! My MBA came with a usb stick with macosx but I haven't try to revert back to macos using this. When I am back in the office on Monday I will try to re-install from there instead.I will keep you posted!!

Again thanks a lot!!

Best regards,

sidirops