How to Format a Mac OSX Operating System

You must prepare the hard drive properly when you install Apple's Mac OS X operating system onto an Apple Macintosh computer. The hard drive must be partitioned to use a GUID partition table, and the primary Mac OS X hard drive partition must use the Hierarchical File System Plus, or HFS+, partition format. You can format the hard drive in an Apple computer to prepare for the Mac OS X operating system from the Disk Utility program.

Things You'll Need

• Mac OS X install DVD

Instructions

1. Insert the Mac OS X install DVD into the disc drive and restart the computer.

2. Hold in the "C" key immediately after the startup chime. Continue holding until the computer begins to boot from the disc.

3. Click the "Next" button.

4. Click the "Utilities" menu at the top of the screen.

5. Click "Disk Utility."

6. Click the Mac's internal hard drive in the left column.

7. Click "Partition."

8. Click "1 Partition" under "Volume Scheme."

9. Click "Options" and ensure that "GUID Partition Table" is selected.

10. Click "OK," then "Apply."

11. Close the Disk Utility and proceed with the Mac OS X installation. The hard drive is now formatted for Mac OS X.