Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

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

MBP won't load El Capitan after erase

G'Day,

MBP, 2008, El Capitan.

I'm trying to erase & reinstall OSX in preparation for sale.

I have followed the official Apple instructions step by step.

But...when I restart (after the erase) and download El Capitan for a clean install, I get a message ...

"OSX could not be installed on your computer.....no packages were available...."


So I have a MBP that now has no operating system...

But El Capitan was running fine before the erase ??


Any ideas?


MacBook Pro 15″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Aug 12, 2022 2:13 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 12, 2022 11:00 PM

Barneyontheboat Said:

"MBP won't load El Capitan after erase:"

-------


Troubleshooting El Capitan Install:


Q1. "when I restart (after the erase) and download El Capitan for a clean install, I get a message ...'OSX could not be installed on your computer.....no packages were available....'"

A1. Visit this Link: How to Get Old Versions of macOS - Apple Support


Q2. "So I have a MBP that now has no operating system...But El Capitan was running fine before the erase ??"

A2. IMPORTANT: Take this as a learning experience, knowing to always create a backup your Mac prior to reinstalling. That way, you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the upgrade.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 12, 2022 11:00 PM in response to Barneyontheboat

Barneyontheboat Said:

"MBP won't load El Capitan after erase:"

-------


Troubleshooting El Capitan Install:


Q1. "when I restart (after the erase) and download El Capitan for a clean install, I get a message ...'OSX could not be installed on your computer.....no packages were available....'"

A1. Visit this Link: How to Get Old Versions of macOS - Apple Support


Q2. "So I have a MBP that now has no operating system...But El Capitan was running fine before the erase ??"

A2. IMPORTANT: Take this as a learning experience, knowing to always create a backup your Mac prior to reinstalling. That way, you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the upgrade.

Aug 14, 2022 2:51 AM in response to Barneyontheboat

Scorched Earth Method 


This method will WIPE ALL Data and there is No Recovery - Period.


>> Only works on Intel Based Apple Computer


To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer


The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer 


This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer. Example : Bootable Installer of Big Sur would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Big Sur.


Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can not be used.


Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.


1 - Shutdown computer and disconnect all external drive Except the newly created Bootable Installer.


2- Restart and immediately hold the OPTION key until the Startup Manager appears and choose the USB Drive. 


3 - It will present options >> Disk Utilities >> View >> View ALL attached Drives. 


4 - Choose the Upper Most Drive ( not the volumes indented and list below ).


5 - Formatting for macOS 10.13 High Sierra and below requires HFS Journaled with the GUID Partition Map


6 - Once that is done >> backup out of Disk Utilities and choose install macOS. 


7 - Follow the prompts and it may automatically reboot several time. 


8 - Upon a final reboot - Setup Assist will present with the newer version of macOS.

Aug 14, 2022 2:41 AM in response to TheLittles

Thank you for your reply.


Unfortunately almost all of the links you provided are irrelevant or of no use. But I appreciate you are trying to help.


Regarding the hardware requirements...

The hardware on my MBP can run El Capitan, no problem.


Regarding the Safari links...

I don't really care if Mavericks can upgrade to Mountain Lion or Catalina can upgrade to Acme Laser Furball 2.0.

I'm not trying to upgrade or downgrade my OS.

I'm just trying to re-install the same OS I already had....but as a clean, new install free of my personal data.


Regarding the back-up comment....

Of course I have a back-up. I've saved any/all files I might want keep after this MBP has gone.

But re-installing the back-up doesn't solve the problem. I need to move this device on to a new owner with a clean OS, not a re-installed OS full of my files, data & preferences.


So...

Further googling has led me to believe that maybe what I should be doing is using bootable versionof El Cap from an external HD ???


Does anyone have any tips on how to do this without dead-ends, useless links, wasted time and failed installs ?

MBP won't load El Capitan after erase

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