iMac doesn't respond to Cmdr-R recovery start up (needed to wipe data via Disk Utility), but goes directly to the user selection screen, with no bong at all. I recently updated the OS to 12.6.5 (Monterey), as my iMac was made in 2015. I assume that this problem is some glitch owing to not smoothly running the new OS, but I am not completely sure of the procedure to reinstall the OS.
iMac 27″, macOS 12.6
Try Option Command R or Option Shift Command R
Second time, again, no bong, I get a spinning globe with a pull down menu for wifi network that somehow cannot see my wifi network
If you can get it to that point again, see if there is a "join other network" selection or words to that effect. Type your network name (SSID) manually and see if it will prompt you for its password.
At this point, I am thinking the best option is to make an installer flash drive with Monterey on it to reinstall the OS, but I don't know if the start up disk preference will even recognise the flash drive*.
I agree, and it should. Press and hold an Option key while booting.
Follow the steps at > What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support
Also note that you may need to dugout, barrow or buy a USB keyboard and mouse, if your wireless ones are no longer paired.
I am aware of the procedure that you linked, obviously, as the Cmdr-R is specifically mentioned as the step to wipe the hard drive. The points is that that set of instructions is not working because the Cmdr-R on startup isn't putting the computer into recovery mode.
your profile shows iMac 27". is that correct? and do you have the rechargeable Magic Keyboard? if yes, connect your keyboard to the Mac with its charging cable before trying to enter recovery. when the keyboard is connected via bluetooth, it can at times not react fast enough to enter recovery.
With a wired keyboard, I pressed "Command-R" while restarting. No bong. First time it went directly to the user selection screen. Second time, again, no bong, I get a spinning globe with a pull down menu for wifi network that somehow cannot see my wifi network (I've gotten this a few times with the wireless keyboard, and it seems to go nowhere eventually even if it does see my wifi network). At this point, I am thinking the best option is to make an installer flash drive with Monterey on it to reinstall the OS, but I don't know if the start up disk preference will even recognise the flash drive*. Thoughts?
I made an official start up disk with Ventura (before I realized that Ventura would not run on an 2015 iMac) and the start up preference didn't even recognise it, although it is ostensibly bootable. Could be a Ventura problem or could be something else.
yes, iMac 27". OK, I will try with a wired keyboard, but there is still no bong on startup which makes me suspect there is some software problem as well.
Connect the iMac directly to the Router using an Ethernet cable, then re-try Internet Recovery Mode.
Trying to wipe an iMac for sale.
