Update from Mac OS X 10.8.5 (Mountain Lion)to any newer version

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Level 1

11 points

Update from Mac OS X 10.8.5 (Mountain Lion)to any newer version

So I am currently trying to do the software update on a mac that still has the Mac OS X Version 10.8.5.

First I tried updating via App Store but this gave me the error message "An error has occured (Error 102)".

I then tried installing OS X El Capitan via web, but the download of the .dmg file just stops without giving any error message. The link can be found here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206886 (step 4). I know that this link is normally working as I tested it on my own mac.

I also tried installing new mac os version via recovery mode but this just installs the Mountain Lion version again.

I even erased the whole disk via recovery mode but nothing seems to help.

Any idea what else I could try?

Best regards and thanks in advance!

Mac Pro

Posted on Mar 21, 2020 8:51 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 7

24,005 points

Mar 21, 2020 1:00 PM in response to vkngs

Okay. That confirms that what you are trying to do is actually possible on your MacBook.

Do a safe mode restart and try to upgrade to El Capitan while in Safe mode.

Let the Mac OS do drive directory repair, cache clearing and other misc housekeeping. You should do this with all your external peripherals disconnected but the keyboard and mouse. Press the Shift key until you see the Apple logo and progress bar when you restart you Mac.

Booting into Safe Mode…

Use safe mode to isolate issues - Apple Support

Note– starting up in Safe mode could take 10 minutes or more. Be patient.

To exit safe mode, just restart normally with no key presses.

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Answer 2

DJMT1287

Level 1

21 points

Apr 10, 2020 11:57 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

Is El Capitan the best upgrade option to do if I’m currently running OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)? I’m pretty sure I’m in the same boat as the original poster:

I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to upgrade to OS X Mavericks, then OS X Yosemite, then OS X El Capitan to create a linear upgrade process to result in better performance? And then is El Capitan the best version to stick with? Or can you upgrade further and still have a functioning iMac?

Thanks!

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