I have downloaded OSX 10.11 on a Ventura iMac, but I can't open the pkg file because I get a message saying the OSX is not compatible with this computer. I don't want it for "this computer", I just want to write it to a USB stick. Is there a way round this?
iMac
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 El Capitan would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run El Capitan.
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.
I have had a Eureka moment. I have a "compatible computer" in front of me! All I have to do is reload the old computer from a Time Machine backup. Then I can download El Capitan or even Yosemite to create a bootable USB stick. Then I re-erase the disk and reload whatever operating system I manage to put onto the USB. Why didn't I think of this before???
Thanks for that. I will try to find a qualifying computer from somewhere.
I have to do this because the procedure for selling on a computer, described on the Apple website (which I followed) resulted in the error message "temporarily unavailable" when I tried to reload the operating system. So the computer is useless at present because it has no operating system.
On the Computer you are preparing to sell, has the drive been wiped ?
Can the computer boot into Recovery Mode ?
If yes the link may fix this issue
How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support (CA)
Another option is ( 3 Keyboard combo ) Option Command and r >> Internet Recovery Mode
If Yes, do this over an Ethernet Cable connection
The spinning Globe will appear and depending on speed of you connection and Apple Servers can take time.
1 - It will present options >> Disk Utilities >> View >> View ALL attached Drives.
2 - Choose the Upper Most Drive ( not the volumes indented and list below ).
3 - Formatting for macOS 10.13 High Sierra and below requires HFS Journaled with the GUID Partition Map
4 - Once that is done >> backup out of Disk Utilities and choose install macOS.
5 - Follow the prompts and it may automatically reboot several time.
6 - Upon a final reboot - Setup Assist will present with the newer version
7 - Just Power Down via the Power Button.
8 - The next time the computer is turned On - setup Assist will be presented to the New Owner
I have wiped the disk from disk utilities as described on the Apple website. I can start in recovery mode (option-command-R) and trying to reinstall the OSX, which was Yosemite, results in the message "temporarily unavailable". I haven't tried shift-option-command-R; I didn't know about it, but I will try it next.
I have tried command-R, option-command-R, shift-option-command-R and they all have the same result after signing in with appleid "This item is temporarily unavailable" referring to Yosemite. No other options were presented, and the spinning globe did not appear. What else can I do?
Suspect the Apple 2 Factor Authorization enabled on your Apple ID account maybe a factor.
Not totally sure exactly what level of OS X / macOS is required to allow the Notification code to be sent to a Trusted Device
I am sure I signed in to my Apple ID account; I received a message something like "accessing apple..." then a message saying "checking your computer" then a pause before the "temporarily unavailable" message appeared. Despite what the Apple website says under "Other macOS installation options", no options other than Yosemite were offered, no matter what combinations of shift-option-command-r I tried on start up.
I have found a procedure for creating a bootable USB using Windows. It looks fiendishly complicated, but I do have a Windows computer whereas finding an iMac with Yosemite or El Capitan will be just about impossible.
Thanks for your assistance
Keep us posted on the computer progress - time permitting 😁
You could just sell it with the caveat that it has no OS installed and the buyer would have to install it.
I held down the keys until the apple logo appeared; should I have held them down longer??
Sorry, at the moment stumped
Will give this some additional Attention in the next few days
Creating a bootable USB stick, to download OSX on an older iMac
