If you have a 2012 iMac and need to reinstall the operating system, I recommend using Internet Recovery. To access this, hold down Command + Option + R while booting up your iMac. This will enable you to reinstall macOS from Apple’s servers.
If you’re not sure how to initiate Internet Recovery, please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. It’s important to note that you cannot use the standard recovery mode for erasing the internal drive. To perform this function, you must utilize Internet Recovery or boot from an external drive or USB flash drive.
Once you’ve booted into Internet Recovery and the utilities have loaded, follow these steps: open Disk Utility, and ensure that you select “Show All Devices” from the view menu, if available. You’ll see your internal drive listed at the top; this is the drive that needs to be erased. After erasing it, exit Disk Utility and proceed to open the installer.
According to Everymac.com, the most recent compatible macOS version for your iMac is macOS 10.15, known as Catalina. I recommend installing Catalina rather than High Sierra for better stability and performance. If you’re planning to sell your iMac, it’s wise to complete the OS installation up to the initial setup screen where you select your language.
At that point, you can exit the installer. If you face any difficulties quitting, simply press and hold the power button on the back of the iMac until the screen turns dark and the device shuts off. Your iMac will be prepared for its next owner after this.
Good luck!
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