Hi, I'm running on High Sierra and I want to download an installer for Catalina so I can create a USB installer drive.
Downloading off the app store gives me the stub installer (~20mb) when I want the full installer as I am unable to create a USB installer with just the 20mb file.
How do I do this?
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
Does this get the full installer for you?
Don't use FireFox for these links…
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314?ls=1&mt=12
maison2002 Said:
"Full Catalina Installer: Nope. Still downloads the same 19.1mb file."
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Some More Thoughts:
A. Reset your SMC and your NVRAM:
Sometimes changes are made to the system and then settings (i.e. for networking) become manipulated, technically. So, reset both on your Mac. Try performing each thrice. It may take sometime, being certain you have the time to perform these resets.
B. Try Safe Mode:
[Hold Down shift key] upon boot. In Safe Mode, corrupted system setting files (caches), are intentionally fixed.
C. Check Force Quit:
See if an application is not responding. If that is the case, Force Quit it.
D. Use Ethernet:
Try using Ethernet, as it would be a hardwired connection, thereby making it more reliable. Connect your Mac directly into the router. If your Mac has no builtin Ethernet port, then this is the adapter that you may need to use: Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Apple
maison2002 Said:
"Full Catalina Installer: I believe this to be due to the OS (High Sierra) from research, not my network or hardware. But there is surely a way to get a full installer on this version of macOS."
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Some Final Thoughts:
A. Use Another Mac:
Have accès to another Mac - one with post-High Sierra installed? If so, then try that Mac. If is is not your Mac, then ask they owner for permission to use it.
B. Use Apple Only:
Also, don't purchase an installer off of the Web, because the creator could put Malware on it.
C. Try Later On:
Perhaps Apple's server are busy for whatever reason. So, try later on.
D. Reporting as a Bug:
So, Provide the Feedback:
maison2002 Said:
"Full Catalina Installer: The machine it compatible with all versions. But, I am not trying to update to the latest version, I simply need to create a bootable drive for Catalina“
What to do:
The ultimate solution seems to be to using another network, or another Mac. Though you may not have another Mac, ask someone else (i.e. friend or family member) if you may use their Mac to create it. Just don’t get it off off the Web(i.e. eBay), as it may contain malware and other junk.
Good luck.
maison2002 Said:
"Full Catalina Installer: Hi, I'm running on High Sierra and I want to download an installer for Catalina so I can create a USB installer drive. Downloading off the app store gives me the stub installer (~20mb) when I want the full installer as I am unable to create a USB installer with just the 20mb file. How do I do this?"
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Try a New Admin:
Create a new Administrator User, for temporary use. Then, log in to that user seeing if you can create it. Once tried, you can delete this user you've just created.
maison2002 Said:
"Full Catalina Installer: I don't have access to another mac. But going from others experiences, it seems to be something that just happens on high sierra. The file should be 8gb, not 19.1mb"
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Important: Backup your Mac First
Be certain you create a backup of your Mac prior to performing this. That way, you will have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the upgrade. For the Backup, use an external hard drive of at least 1.5 times the storage, or use iCloud.
Upgrading Past High Sierra:
Find the Year and Model:
Some Macs cannot go past High Sierra. So, see if upgrading past High Sierra is an option.
Verify Compatibility:
See if your Mac is compatible with the following:
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If Compatible:
Try a Different Upgrade:
If no other Mac, then upgrade to Mojave or Catalina, first,. Once upgraded, try upgrading to Big Sur, manually.
None of those options did anything. The app store does give an installer, just one that I have to use to simply upgrade the system. I need the full installer that allows me to create a bootable drive on my USB.
maison2002 Said:
"None of those options did anything. The app store does give an installer, just one that I have to use to simply upgrade the system. I need the full installer that allows me to create a bootable drive on my USB."
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No, simply the 20mb file. :/
Nope. Still downloads the same 19.1mb file.
I believe this to be due to the OS (High Sierra) from research, not my network or hardware.
But there is surely a way to get a full installer on this version of macOS.
I don't have access to another mac. But going from others experiences, it seems to be something that just happens on high sierra. The file should be 8gb, not 19.1mb
The machine is compatible with all versions. But I am not trying to update to the latest version, I simply need to create a bootable drive for Catalina.
Full Catalina Installer
