Mac OS X 10.6.8 doesn't enter Recovery Mode
Mac OS X 10.6.8 doesn't enter Recovery Mode
You've received an old Mac running OS X 10.6.8 and need a factory reset. Despite trying various startup keys and using both wired and wireless keyboards, the computer starts normally without entering Recovery mode. You lack access to any OS disks. Since you're comfortable with Windows, consider using the built-in Mac recovery options or booting into a macOS installation media to reset the system.
10.6.8 is Snow Leopard. You can purchase a Snow Leopard disk from Amazon for $20, but otherwise you’ll need to rely on chance to find a suitable ISO/DMG file that you can burn onto a Dual-Layer DVD for installation. This particular OS X release is outdated and doesn’t support the reset feature. I should know—I just received an eMac and can’t reset it without an install disk, which has already failed.
Sure, I can help with that. If you had the OS installer on the hard drive, you could likely install it there and wipe the existing files.
It’s not advisable to upgrade to a newer macOS version. Snow Leopard is no longer supported, and using an El Capitan installation disk on an Imac won’t work.
You can only purchase Snow Leopard, but I have some OS installers from the Mac App Store that should function as a bootable USB. I also have several Mac versions from the Mac App Store—Mac, Mavericks, and Mac OS X 10.9—that you could use and upgrade to Sierra if needed. Would you like the link?
Have you cleared the storage? You'll need to do that first. This should eliminate any possible problems.