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bobbybe2 Author

Level 1

4 points

restore mac os after HDD fail

need to re-install OS after a failed upgrade. Only screen I can get to is the flashing folder with question mark.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Oct 7, 2021 9:50 AM

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

210,853 points

Posted on Oct 7, 2021 11:05 AM

First try booting into the Safe Mode . If that fails then try booting into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down). There select the option to reinstall the system.

The next time you try to update from the System/Software Update preference pane consider the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3-5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the System/Software Update preference pane and begin the download.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.

I've had better luck from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the installation.

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restore mac os after HDD fail

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