An error occurred preparing the software update - Big Sur

How can i delete a file on the disk when i don't have access in the first place? My MacbookAir 2018 128gb gets stuck at 7 minutes remaining for the update and gives me too the above message as tartangear

I tried doing this and everything is well after selecting the other option for the Mac which leads me to my login screen. After entering my password, there’s a loading bar for about 5 minutes and then all of the sudden the entire screen turns black and the prohibitory symbol pops up.

@AshleyDee91

Great stuff! I'm trying to figure out how the installer let you upgrade or update if you did not have enough disk space? How much space did you need to clear up ? I know for a fact that installer will stop you if you do not have enough space, I think it should be 35GB or something like that. Was this the update from 11.0.1 to 11.1 ?

Hello,

I have the same problem on my MacBook Air 2017. First I thought the small free space on my 128gb drive causes this problem but even performing a clean install produces this error message. Restoring back to Catalina is no problem though.

Does someone get to a fix in the meanwhile?

Hello!

So I have the same issue and I am trying to follow the steps you suggested.

Now I have not backed up my Mac. So I would just like to confirm, erasing or unmounting the update will not result in any loss of data?

Also, when choosing erase in disk utility, it asks to select a format:

• Mac OS Extended (journaled)
• Mac OS Extended (journaled, encrypted)
• Mac OS Extended (case sensitive, journaled)
• Mac OS Extended (case sensitive, journaled, encrypted)
• ExFAT
• MS-DOS (FAT)

Now I’m not too sure which format I should be choosing? Is it better to just unmount than erase?

thankyou!

Thank you for your help!

I have now unmounted it.

I have tried running ‘first aid’ however it says that it has failed and if possible to back up the data on this volume. This was due to:

• verifying storage system
• storage system check exit code 8
• repairing storage system
• storage system verify or repair failed
• operation failed

now I’ve tried to continue and click ‘run’ as instructed in the top left menu, however I unfortunately do not seem to have this button/option?

Thanks again for your help!

Its much appreciated

Hi , these tips were very helpful as I seem to be in the same position. Thank you for this. Although I’m stuck at the point where you mention running “macintosh HD” by clicking run on the top left menu. I can’t seem to find the menu or button you are talking about.

if you were able to elaborate that would be amazing thank you

Hello!

I'm having the same issue as septi32> shutdown-press option, the process only repeating the same, need advise please.

What does "restoring from backup" means?

Does anyone know details for the "target disk mode" option?? (can I put all the data from the macbook air to a 2010 macbookpro whitout loosing my computer stuff? if yes, which cable should I use?)

I had also got to the disk utility window by turning on the computer with option+command+R, like palma86

advice, but not sure how to follow from there, because there is nothing is grey locked like the description of his case.

I don't have any backup of my computer stuff and I'm scared to make a bad move and erase all!!

Sorry for so many questions, I'm new in this kind of support community websites, please, help! Thank u!!!

Hello, I have the same issue as akl_17, but didn't wanted to unmount or erase anything without being 100% sure that I won't be loossing my computer data that is not back up.

Can I do a backup at this point?

Thank u so much.

Denise.

Everything worked until I got to this part below in your suggestion. There is no run feature to select in the left menu. Can you be more specific regarding what you mean by run or what you clicked in the left menu? Thanks

• Now I run the disk ‘Macintosh HD’ by selecting and clicking on the run option via the top left menu. Be aware i had another disk greyed out ‘macintosh HD-data’, which I haven’t touched. A prompt appears where you have to ‘unlock’ the disk. You will ask to insert your password (this time it works!). The system will reboot and voilà. All my files were there!

Hi, i’m also having the same problem. I have already shutdown > held option while turning on then it asks to choose the wifi network, apears « mac installer » only, after clicking it starts loading for 29 minutes than the following images apear over and over

and it never gets out of that screen.

has anyone been able to get out of it without erasing the mac? (I dont have a backup)

if anyone could help with the step by step, i would aprecciate, thanks

Hi, I know you posed this a while ago but I’m having the same identical issue and I have no idea what to do. I have tried the control R method, and even the advanced (shift, option, command,R) recovery method. I would love to know what you did to recover your computer, as I am struggling with it and depend on My computer for school.

Hi LizethBo,

Thanks for getting back to me. That's interesting, I assume there is no way to get around the login window and assume you are entering your password correctly for the correct user?

I would try again and see what happens. Based on this will provide you further steps.

What Mac model do you have?

Hope this helps.

hello, has the same issue as other guy reported.

"I had same problem + ( no recovery mode according to password failure + no safe boot + prohibit sign when I try log in to MAC HD by option key startup)"

Password locked me out and iCloud also not working (both Command + R recovery and Option + Command + R recovery).

I am experiencing the same exact problem like you are (account password failure + prohibit sign + iCloud could not unlock this volume).

I also lost all of my files and I need it for my school.

How are you restoring your data? I need some guidance here.