iMac 2009 won’t boot from installation DVD

[Lucky1974]

Hi all,


I purchased a used imac model A1311& it was all working fine.


However, I wanted to wipe the HDD to remove the previous owners’ files etc & then reinstall the original Mac OS.

Because I’m familiar with Windows I used a Windows 10 DVD booted off that deleted all the partitions & formatted the SSD.


However now I can’t get the original MAC OS back I have the original DVD press “C” at start up noting happens I just get a white screen with a ? folder in the centre.


I’ve also tried the command – r & various others.


Bit stuck now, I can install Windows fine but I need to use it as a Mac!


Any advice appreciated.

 

[Fishrrman]

Is the install DVD already loaded in the drive?

If so, you could TRY the following (not sure if it will work):

Press the power-on button and IMMEDIATELY hold down the OPTION key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN.

This may invoke the startup manager.
If it comes up, do you see the DVD?
If so, select it with the pointer and hit return.

Does this work?
(If it doesn't work, my first thought would be that you don't have the RIGHT OS installer DVD for this particular iMac)

If it does, you DO NOT WANT to go right to the installer.
You need to open Disk Utility and erase the internal drive again.
Use "Mac OS extended, journaling enabled (if that option is available), GUID partition format.

If that works, then quit Disk Utility, open the OS installer, and try again.

 

[DeltaMac]

Maybe the DVD drive is failing.
But, do try the Option-boot, as Fishrrman suggested.

Also, take a look at the DVD -- check that the surface appears to be clean and undamaged.

If you successfully wiped the drive from Windows, then the recovery partition is also gone.
Therefore, Command+R can't work
Your iMac is also too old to try Internet recovery, which is a choice for 2010 iMacs and later.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

What did you format the drive to using Windows? Fat 32, ex-Fat etc.