Why can't install Mojave on my Mac Mini (late 2014) ?

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Why can't install Mojave on my Mac Mini (late 2014) ?

Every time I tried to update from High Sierra to Mojave on my Mac Mini (late 2014), I got this message:

""The installer could not verify the disk. Open Disk Utility, then run First Aid."

After Googling it, I eventually worked out that I needed to use the Disk Utility tool to create a new partition to install it in. I thought it would work then, but I am now getting another message which I cannot work out how to get around:

"An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again. "

Some posts suggest correcting the date from a command shell will fix this, but the date was already correct and setting it again from the command shell made no difference.

Any ideas what I should try next ?

Mac mini, macOS 10.13

Posted on Apr 17, 2019 3:39 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

dwb

Level 7

33,220 points

Apr 18, 2019 8:11 AM in response to AnthonyDunk

There's no need to create another partition. The first error message you quoted indicates the installer found a problem with the disk. The installer runs a disk utility program to verify that the disk has no catalog or partition errors - it found something. To fix the problem (assuming it could be fixed) you need to boot into the recovery partition and run Disk First Aid from there. If DFA couldn't fix the problem or if it reported errors fixed but you still couldn't install Mojave you're only recourse will be to erase the hard drive, install Mojave, and then use your TimeMachine backup to migrate your data and applications back to the hard drive.

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Answer 2

DonH49

Level 6

16,716 points

Apr 17, 2019 3:51 PM in response to AnthonyDunk

just a guess. Launch Disk Utility and use mouse to select volume. Its probably going to read "Mac OS Extended (journeled" then use mouse and select the MEDIA and hopefully it show read "GUID partition map" If it does not then change to it. I'd guess yours may read something related to Windows.

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Answer 3

AnthonyDunk Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2019 2:59 PM in response to dwb

Thanks, but I already tried this and the disk utility found nothing wrong. I wondered if it is because my disk is Journaled rather than APFS ?

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Answer 4

dwb

Level 7

33,220 points

Apr 18, 2019 3:36 PM in response to AnthonyDunk

No, if your drive isn’t APFS the installer will do it. The second half of my initial reply is your only recourse.

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Answer 5

AnthonyDunk Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2019 6:00 AM in response to DonH49

Thanks but this did not help. I'm still stuck at getting the "An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again. " error message. I have tried re-downloading the 6GB, tried installing it manually, tried with and without creating a separate partition to install it on, and I remain completely stuck unable to upgrade to Mojave. This is very frustrating since Apple says the Mac Mini Late 2014 computer I have is compatible with Mojave... I wouldn't care, but I can't update my XCode unless I can get to Mojave. So my only option seems to be to buy a newer second hand Mac Mini at this stage :-(

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Why can't install Mojave on my Mac Mini (late 2014) ?

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