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User profile for user: rbahrens
rbahrens Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

MacOS Recovery/iMac - activation lock server cannot be reached

I received an error while using my Intel iMac (2020) with Monterey and decided to reinstall macOS using macOS Recovery mode. It hung for more than 24 hours during the install, so I tried to do it again. However, now I have the error “The operation couldn’t be completed. Activation Lock status could not be determined because the activation lock server cannot be reached. Try again in a few minutes.” I am connected to my network (and tried my iPhone’s hotspot just in case), and I did try again. And again. And each time I have the same error.


How do I get my iMac to reach the activation lock server?

iMac 27″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Nov 5, 2022 9:37 AM

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User profile for user: rbahrens
rbahrens Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Nov 5, 2022 11:58 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you for the suggestion, but this is not possible.


Rebooting reboots into the installer, which allows me to log in, then choose a language, then forces me to choose a startup disk but only lists my BOOTCAMP partition. Rebooting with OPTION down lets me select a Mac OS Install, Mac OS data, or BOOTCAMP; selecting Mac OS Install gets me to the activation lock issue mention in my original post.


No available path allows me to log in and either download anything or use any apps, although my BOOTCAMP partition works normally.


It is likely that my next step is to wipe my drive completely and start over. I believe that the “something that may be installed” is almost certainly a failed OS install.

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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
143,778 points

Nov 5, 2022 10:43 AM in response to rbahrens

That isn't normal operation so it sounds like something that may be installed on the computer is causing your problem.


It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate to www.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.


When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again. 


For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community



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MacOS Recovery/iMac - activation lock server cannot be reached

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