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Can't download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X.

I'm trying to use the MacOS Recovery Utilities to reinstall my Mac OS X Lion. When I chose "Reinstall MacOS", I get the following message: "Can't download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X."

Also, I cannot create a bootable installer either, since I cannot boot up, hence the reason I was trying to do a clean install.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 5, 2020 11:09 AM

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Posted on Apr 11, 2020 6:21 PM

Hello,

I am having the same issue with my MacBook Air.

Are you able to provide more detailed steps on how to fix the issue? Im trying to install Lion OS X.

Thank you.

11 replies
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Feb 5, 2020 12:40 PM in response to Coquidragon

The certificates for several of Apples OS's expired in October 2019, Apple have been very poor at getting these updated on their Recovery Servers with valid certificates. This may be the problem you are experiencing. 


Try this workaround, we are going to set the time and date on your mac to a date previous to the expiry date of the certificates.


Boot to your Recovery HD, click on Utilities in the menubar select Terminal.


Enter a new date, for example or just copy and paste


sudo date -u 011421002018


press Return

enter your password

press Return


Now try downloading the OS.

If this works when the OS is installed and booted up you can Open System Preferences> Date & Time

and reset the time back to today.

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Mar 18, 2020 1:49 AM in response to Crack O'Deal

Upd. Restored my MacBook via USB boot. Fast path is this using 2 USB sticks:

  1. download Mac OS dmg file (google it) on another PC to one USB stick
  2. insert USB stick with dmg to your Mac and burn this dmg to another USB stick using Disk Utility
  3. restart your Mac and hold option key
  4. proceed with installation
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Jun 21, 2020 6:58 AM in response to Josh.Kenston.16

I finally fixed it. I did everything I was supposed to do, had good internet connection, etc. I brought the MacBook to a different WiFi network and did the same steps as I did before and it worked. So maybe try a new (not 2g vs 5g a different IP address) and try to download the new software.

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May 27, 2020 8:04 AM in response to Coquidragon

I have the same issue. I tried changing the date and did everything else these replies and youtube said. I tried using a USB and boot from there but when I do the start up disk option, my Mac SSD nor USB is listed.

I was able to access the internet through recovery mode and download 2 versions of the OS that my mac can run. Now that it is downloaded I do not know how to proceed. Can anyone help?

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May 12, 2020 10:31 PM in response to Coquidragon

if you're getting the "can't download the additional components" error, try removing any extra memory that was installed after you bought it, try reinstalling the Mac OS after memory removal. Can reinstall the upgraded memory after os install goes thru. Good luck.

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Can't download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X.

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