MacBook Pro 2016 - erased hard drive, now can’t reinstall macOS?

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MacBook Pro 2016 - erased hard drive, now can’t reinstall macOS?

Due to having practically no space left on my 2016 MacBook, I did a complete erase of my Macintosh HD drive. This was after backing up all the files I needed. When I restarted and went to reinstall MacOS, it was trying to install Sierra but failed (error message read “An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again.”). So I went to Disk Utility, erased the disk again after selecting Extended (Journaled), ran First Aid, and came back with no issues. I then went back to try and reinstall Sierra and got the same error message as before. I’ve done all of this a few times and have restarted and it does the same thing. What can I do from here? If I can avoid going to the Genius Bar, that would be fantastic. I appreciate any insight or assistance!

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Apr 8, 2023 4:24 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BDAqua

Level 10

245,579 points

Apr 8, 2023 4:56 PM in response to Shaunsomething

Try one ofthe oherResstore methids, lik CMD+Opton+rkeys...

Start up from macOS Recovery

To start up from macOS Recovery, turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold one of the following combinations on your keyboard. Command-R is generally recommended, especially if you never installed macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later… How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Command (⌘)-R

Install the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac.

Option-⌘-R

Upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.

Shift-Option-⌘-R

Install the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.

2. Decide whether to erase (format) your disk

If you need to erase your disk before installing macOS, select Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click Continue. You probably don't need to erase, unless you're selling or giving away your Mac or have an issue that requires you to erase. Learn more about when and how to erase.

3. Install macOS

After starting up from macOS Recovery, follow these steps to install macOS:

Choose Reinstall macOS (or Reinstall OS X) from the Utilities window.
Click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions to choose your disk and begin installation.
If the installer asks to unlock your disk, enter the password you use to log in to your Mac. If it doesn't see your disk, or it says that it can't install on your computer or volume, you might need to erase your disk.

Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time.

If your Mac restarts to a setup assistant, but you're selling or giving it away, press Command-Q to quit the assistant without completing setup. Then click Shut Down. When the new owner starts up the Mac, they can use their own information to complete setup.

If you never installed macOS Sierra 10.12.4

If macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later was never installed on your Mac, macOS Recovery works differently:

Command-R is still the recommended way to start up from macOS Recovery. This combination makes sure that the installation isn't associated with your Apple ID, which is important if you're selling or giving away your Mac.
Option-Command-R installs the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
Shift-Option-Command-R isn't available.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Of course you may need to make a USB installer...

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support...

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

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