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Krabbypatty60
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Mac desktop restore not working

My Mac desktop will not turn on - I am getting the question mark in folder icon

  • I tried internet recovery mode
  • in recovery mode:

— reinstall macOS: nothing comes up when “select the disk where you want to install macOS”

  • in disk utility

— first aid - operation is successful

— I tried view all devices - erase and restore remain grayed out

— I can’t eject it “failed to eject ‘Apple disk image media’ because it is currently in use”

  • in Time Machine

— searching for Time Machine backups and nothing comes up


help!

Posted on Sep 20, 2026 9:29 AM

2 replies

den.thed
User level: Level 10 (99,154 points)

Sep 20, 2026 9:57 AM in response to Krabbypatty60

That 21.5" iMac's Internal Hard Drive has failed.


From this point, you have several options.


1) Have the internal hard drive replaced and then restore from your Time Machine backup.

This is not the best option, because that iMac is obsolete and expensive to fix.


2) Install macOS on an external SSD and then restore from your Time Machine backup.

Use an external SSD as your startup disk … - Apple Community


3) Purchase a new Mac and migrate to the new Mac using your Time Machine backup.

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support

Old Toad
User level: Level 10 (218,444 points)

Sep 20, 2026 10:59 AM in response to Krabbypatty60

If you're considering following den.thed's #3 suggestion please consider the following:  a 12‑core CPU, 12‑core GPU Dual 16‑core Neural Engine Mac Mini M6 with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD ($1399 US) with a 32" LG 4k monitor ($331 US) from Amazon.com)  is $1716 which is $450 less than a similarly configured new 24" M4 iMac ($2199 US). Keep your keyboard and mouse from your current Mac for use with the Mini. If you recycle don't include the mouse an keyboard.


I got the previous Mini M4 with a 32" LG 4K monitor w/speakers for the same price as a 27" monitor (didn't know the Mini had a speaker).  There are many monitors available in 27" size for about $100 US to $500 US depending on what features you want. I love the extra real estate with the 32" monitor.


I had an 2017 i7 iMac with an SSD boot drive and a new M4 Mini runs circles around it.  The new M6 will be even faster.   


You can use the keyboard and mouse from your current iMac. Don't recycle them with the iMac.


Just some food for thought.


Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256361289