Initial setup fails M1 MBP

[Gmaster]

First time opening M1 MBP, and after inputting Name, Account Name, Password, and PW Hint the system sits for a while then it displays “Computer account creation failed. Your computer account could not be created with the name and password specified. Please try again.“
I have tried different vaules for all those fields but I still end up at the same place. This is an Open box Excellent from Best Buy.
I’m lookinrg for suggestions. Has anyone experienced this? I’ll try a few more different account combinations, then should I call Best Buy, or call Apple?
TIA.

 

[Jabzzz]

Are you using an existing account or creating a new one? If the latter try creating on at Apple.com and then try logging in?

If no success, return to place of purchase. Not sure how Apple deals with open box

 

[Apple_Robert]

You will need to reinstall Big Sur. Since you don't know if FileVault was off, assume it was on and follow the directions.

If an error occurred while updating or installing macOS - Apple Support

The message might say that an error occurred while downloading, preparing, or installing, or that the software is damaged, could not be verified, or failed to personalize. The cause of messages like these can vary, and sometimes they're only temporary.

support.apple.com

. The previous owner did not reinstall properly.

Also see this post and thread, which addresses the same steps

Installing Big Sur Clean on M1 Macs "Computer account creation failed"

This is how you fix it: 1. Boot to recovery 2. Launch Terminal 3. Run terminal command: resetpassword 4. Click on the Reset Password window , then choose Recovery Assistant in the menu bar then select Erase Mac. 5. Click Erase Mac in the window that opens, then click Erase Mac again to...

forums.macrumors.com

Make sure you follow the terminal command procedure. It should get you back up and running. Not to worry. Your M1 is not bricked.

 

[MattMJB0188]

First time opening M1 MBP, and after inputting Name, Account Name, Password, and PW Hint the system sits for a while then it displays “Computer account creation failed. Your computer account could not be created with the name and password specified. Please try again.“
I have tried different vaules for all those fields but I still end up at the same place. This is an Open box Excellent from Best Buy.
I’m lookinrg for suggestions. Has anyone experienced this? I’ll try a few more different account combinations, then should I call Best Buy, or call Apple?
TIA.

I got this after erasing my M1 via utility disk. I was on the phone with Apple for 2 hours and they failed to help. The only solution was to return it. I did just that and got an Intel Mac. Try wiping your computer remotely from icloud, but be prepared to have to return it. Apple is aware of this.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I got this after erasing my M1 via utility disk. I was on the phone with Apple for 2 hours and they failed to help. The only solution was to return it. I did just that and got an Intel Mac. Try wiping your computer remotely from icloud, but be prepared to have to return it. Apple is aware of this.

For those looking on, do not use Disk Utility to erase your M1 disk. That causes problems.

 

[MattMJB0188]

For those looking on, do not use Disk Utility to erase your M1 disk. That causes problems.

I know. I wish I would have known that beforehand... oh well. Apple probably should disable it on the m1.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I know. I wish I would have known that beforehand... oh well. Apple probably should disable it on the m1.

Not for fault. Apple should have included literature pertaining to reinstalling the OS with each M1 purchase, as well as attaching said document to each owner's online receipt or iCloud devices. A Mac owner should not have to traverse the internet to try and find basic information, especially with a laptop that cost $1K+.

 

[MattMJB0188]

Not for fault. Apple should have included literature pertaining to reinstalling the OS with each M1 purchase, as well as attaching said document to each owner's online receipt or iCloud devices. A Mac owner should not have to traverse the internet to try and find basic information, especially with a laptop that cost $1K+.

Very true. I just the OP can return it and spare himself the aggravation. On a side note, I will say that these are very powerful machines, however, not being able to run two displays natively the icing on the cake. These machines also had a lot of bugs, or maybe that was Big Sur... or both?

 

[Gmaster]

Thanks to everyone here in the community, especially Apple_Robert Who pointed me to the solution.
I am up and running!
The solution was boot to Recovery/Utility as found in this thread, using what reasonrulaz posted (which also worked for snakes-). Resetpassword/ Erase Mac/ Activate/ Reinstall Big Sur/ then Setup was normal.

 

[burgman]

I just spent an hour with Apple Support on erasing my M1 MacBook Air for return. After going up the food chain, the final answer was use disk utility in recovery BUT do not use erase disk. Use erase volume group then reinstall Big Sur. Worked great my MBA activated then I reinstalled Big Sur.