Use macOS Recovery to resolve issues

Question 1

What are the two ways to find Erase Assistant app on a Mac? (without using Spotlight)

Answer 1

1. System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset
2. /System/Library/CoreServices

Question 2

What are the steps to erase a Mac with Disk Utility

Answer 2

1. Hold power button until “Loading startup options” appears
2. Click Options
3. Select account and input password
4. Select Disk Utility
5. In the Sidebar, select the Macintosh HD that you want to erase
6. In the toolbar, click Erase

Question 3

In macOS ____ or newer, you can also revive or restore a Mac from the Finder.

Answer 3

Sonoma (macOS 14)

Question 4

What is the difference between Revive and Restore?

Answer 4

A revive updates the firmware and recoveryOS to the latest version

A restore updates the firmware, updates recoveryOS to the latest version, and erases and installs the latest version of macOS on your internal storage

Question 5

Scenario: You are trying to revive a secondary Mac that is currently turned off. How do you start it in Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode?

Answer 5

Hold Power button + left Control key + left Option key + right Shift key

After 10 seconds, immediately release the three keys but continue to press and hold the power button until a DFU icon appears in Apple Configurator on the other Mac

Question 6

On the Apple Configurator, your secondary Mac has been detected in DFU mode. How do you start the Restore process?

Answer 6

Control-click the selected DFU icon > Restore

Question 7

Which statement about Erase All Content and Settings is true?

A. Find My and Activation Lock remain turned on after your Mac erases all content and settings.

B. Bluetooth devices remain paired to your Mac after Erase All Content and Settings completes the erase process.

C. Erase All Content and Settings can be undone.

D. Third-party apps are removed from your Mac after it’s been erased.

Answer 7

D. Third-party apps are removed from your Mac after it’s been erased.

All settings, media, and data are erased from your Mac.

Question 8

How must you start a Mac to erase the built-in startup disk?

A. In macOS

B. In macOS Recovery

C. In Erase-Disk Mode

D. In Start-Up Disk Mode

Answer 8

B. In macOS Recovery

You need to start in macOS Recovery to erase the built-in startup disk.

Question 9

From the macOS Recovery screen, how do you create a recovery diagnostics and save to a connected external storage device?

(Hint: 5 key presses/holds)

Answer 9

Press Control-Option-Shift-Command-Period

After the screen flashes, wait a few moments until a dialog appears.

Use the dialog to save the recovery diagnostics file to a location on your external storage device.

Question 10

From the Recovery app in macOS Recovery, how do you view the recovery log?

Answer 10

Window > Recovery Log > Click Detail Level pop-up menu > choose which messages to display

Question 11

From the startup options after holding power button for 10secs, how do you set the default start up volume?

Answer 11

Select a volume > Press and hold Option key, then click Always Use

Question 12

How do you start up your computer in macOS Recovery and pair Bluetooth input devices?

Answer 12

1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until the system volume and the Options button appear.
2. Press the power button three times. (each within 1 sec)
3. Use Bluetooth Setup Assistant to pair your Bluetooth accessories with your Mac. (won’t show up if you already have an input device connected)
4. Select an administrator account, then click Next.
5. Enter the password for the administrator account, then click Continue.