You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Need help reinstalling Big Sur on MacBook Pro

I'm trying to reinstall Big Sur on a MacBook Pro (A1502) since a friend of mine wants to give it away to his sister; I already erased the hard drive (no need for back ups), then selected "reinstall MacOS Big Sur".

After what I assume is the system downloading the OS, it restarts and a message tells me to wait for about 25 minutes. After that's done I get a message: "an error occured preparing the software update".


I've tried checking the date since some guides suggest a wrong date might be causing this. Also I don't understand why it says it is an update, I just want to reinstall the OS that was working before we erased the hard drive.

Currently I feel like the Mac Pro is as good as bricked, since I don't know what to do. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.



Posted on May 3, 2022 7:27 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 3, 2022 11:37 AM

PabloAVG2 wrote:

I'm trying to reinstall Big Sur on a MacBook Pro (A1502) since a friend of mine wants to give it away to his sister; I already erased the hard drive (no need for back ups), then selected "reinstall MacOS Big Sur".
After what I assume is the system downloading the OS, it restarts and a message tells me to wait for about 25 minutes. After that's done I get a message: "an error occured preparing the software update".

I've tried checking the date since some guides suggest a wrong date might be causing this. Also I don't understand why it says it is an update, I just want to reinstall the OS that was working before we erased the hard drive.
Currently I feel like the Mac Pro is as good as bricked, since I don't know what to do. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.



???




verify you are using the Safari browser to download/initiate the macOS links.


The older macOS installer backups on this server:

How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support


How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support



In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Outside the USA

https://locate.apple.com/country




Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)





Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 3, 2022 11:37 AM in response to PabloAVG2

PabloAVG2 wrote:

I'm trying to reinstall Big Sur on a MacBook Pro (A1502) since a friend of mine wants to give it away to his sister; I already erased the hard drive (no need for back ups), then selected "reinstall MacOS Big Sur".
After what I assume is the system downloading the OS, it restarts and a message tells me to wait for about 25 minutes. After that's done I get a message: "an error occured preparing the software update".

I've tried checking the date since some guides suggest a wrong date might be causing this. Also I don't understand why it says it is an update, I just want to reinstall the OS that was working before we erased the hard drive.
Currently I feel like the Mac Pro is as good as bricked, since I don't know what to do. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.



???




verify you are using the Safari browser to download/initiate the macOS links.


The older macOS installer backups on this server:

How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support


How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support



In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Outside the USA

https://locate.apple.com/country




Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)





Need help reinstalling Big Sur on MacBook Pro

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.