How to create a bootable Yosemite USB on Windows for an iMac with erased Macintosh HD?

Thanks! That's helpful.

According to the Mactracker app, that early-2008 iMac can run any Mac OS X version from 10.5.2 Leopard - 10.11.6 El Capitan.

Your iMac originally shipped with a set of two grey label Mac OS X install DVDs that should have stayed with the computer to the grave. Those would be the best way to erase and reinstall the OS and applications. They are difficult to find and very machine specific, so discs that shipped with another model won't work on this one.

If you have access to another Mac of the same era you can try downloading an OS that this Mac can use and create a bootable USB flash drive with that. You'll need another Mac that was shipped between early-2008 and late-2015. A late-2015 may run an early build of El Capitan 10.11.

Apple's guidance for downloading older OS X versions and creating bootable installers can be found here:

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

I know your original post asked about making a bootable installer with a Windows PC. I'm aware of anecdotes saying it can be done, but I'm unaware of any sure-fire method. Perhaps others will add their knowledge on the subject.

🤞🏽🍀

EDIT - adding a +1 to @rkaufmann87's good guidance above.☝🏽

You should find the iMac's serial number on the underside of the pedestal.

Take that number and put it in the field in this Apple web page: Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support

If the iMac isn't too old, then you may get info about the model year of that iMac.

Let us know what the model year is (including any early- mid- or late- info) and we can help you best get that computer running again.

Getting a used Mac as your first Mac experience is not highly recommended as the computer is almost Alwys associated with the original owner, yes even after wiping the HD. You can continue trying however if you want a good experience then please buy from a reputable reseller such as macsales.com!

we also strongly recommend buying a genuine Apple refurb directly from Apple. More money than Macsales.can’t m however their machines are identical to new, have the same warranty as new, are eligible for AppleCare and can save hundreds of $$$$.

moving forward it is wise to never get a used Mac from:

• Facebook Marketplace
• enay
• Craigslist
• local pc shop
• friend, relative,acquaintances etc

Yikes Please recycle it!!!!!! An 18 years Mac cannot run current versions of Mac OS or apps.

👍🏽

I certainly hope the OP doesn't spend any money on this machine.

It's a hobby computer at best.

👍🏽 Sounds like fun! 🙂