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User profile for user: clarkmc07
clarkmc07 Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Internet Recovery Error

Hello all. I have a Mac Mini 2018 that came with Catalina. I’m trying to downgrade to Mojave. I was able to successfully create a bootable USB with Mojave. I then rebooted the Mac using CMD + R and erased the main HD. I then restart again and hold OPTION. It shows my disk stating “Install MacOS Mojave” and a WiFi dropdown. I choose my disk and requires me to connect to WiFi. So I enter my WiFi info and proceed. I then get a globe and progress bar for roughly 15 minutes until it displays an error: “support.apple.com/Mac/startup -1008f”. It will not allow me to proceed from there. It’s like it’s forcing itself through internet recovery mode rather than utilizing the USB. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m stuck for now. If I try recovery mode from here it just goes straight to internet recovery again. I’m stumped.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Jan 31, 2021 2:51 PM

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User profile for user: a brody
a brody
User level: Level 10
84,049 points

Jan 31, 2021 5:01 PM in response to clarkmc07

you chose the wrong startup key.


Command-Option-Shift-R lets you start internet restore to load the original system that shipped for the model in question. If this is definitely a 2018 model, it should be possible to get Mojave from that shortcut. 2019 models in October and later came only with Catalina and later and could not install Mojave.



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User profile for user: clarkmc07
clarkmc07 Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Feb 1, 2021 6:29 AM in response to a brody

I don't understand why I need the internet at all when I have a Mojave bootable USB. I choose the bootable USB and it still forces me into an internet connection. I've tried clearing all RAM. I've tried the various Recovery key combos and nothing works. For instance, when I use the CMD+OPT+SHFT+R it take me to Internet Recovery, connects to my internet, shows a progress bar for about 15 minutes and gives me the same error. Sometimes I get -1008F and sometimes I get -2100F. I'm seriously stuck.

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User profile for user: a brody
a brody
User level: Level 10
84,049 points

Feb 2, 2021 6:19 AM in response to clarkmc07

Then from the sounds of it, you have a hardware issue trying to connect to the internet, or a firmware issue with your computer.

If you aren't connecting via ethernet directly to the modem, it could be a problem with your WiFi reception.

If you are connecting via ethernet directly to the modem, I would lean on the firmware, and take it in for service.

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Internet Recovery Error

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