User profile for user: ConfusedDesi1
ConfusedDesi1 Author
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cannot install macOS onto 15inch macbook pro T2 Intel

Hello everyone,


I am running into this problem on a "brand new" 15" MacBook Pro 2019 version. This computer was leftover stock intermittently charging so I decided to turn it for the first time. I set up macOS Mojave as a first time user and tried to update to macOS Ventura.


It would not update through the normal user interface, so I thought the hard drive might be configured wrong.


I went into CMD+R and formatted the entire drive, and tried to reinstall macOS Mojave - absolute trouble.


I am having extreme trouble attempting to get ANY software onto this MacBook Pro that has never been used.


1) Tried CMD + R -> Internet Recovery -> reinstall macOS Mojave -> error I receive: Macbook "The Installer Resources were not Found"

2) Tried CMD + Option + R: same issue as 1)

3) Tried CMD + Option + Shift + R: same issue as 1)

4) Reset the NVRAM with Option + CMD + P + R before and after all attempts to reinstall software - no help

5) Tried booting with Option - D, D, and checked hard drive health - all have zero errors


6) I created a bootable installer for Mojave and tried the below two things - the computer does not allow external boot drives so what I tried next. The following I have tried 2 times with different software downloads of Mojave from my working MacBook Pro running Ventura and older one running Mojave.


6.1) I tried to open the InstallAssistant file using terminal in recovery mode - did not work either as it results in the same "macOS could not be installed" error

6.2) I tried to make a separate partition on the hard drive, and transfer the installer to that so it becomes part of the hard drive - it will not let me, the installer is greyed out - assuming because the Security disk utility does not let me boot from external devices.


7) I created a bootable installer for Ventura and tried all of the things in step 6 - again no dice.


What is frustrating is I cannot boot from external USB, and the disk utility thinks there is a lock so it searches from an administrator - however my Macintosh HD is empty. I removed iCloud lock before formatting my hard drive btw. I also do not and have not used the firmware security feature.


Any assistance would greatly be appreciated - this computer was laying in its wrapper for a long time I figured I would try to make some use if possible but I guess it won't happen.



MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Apr 16, 2023 2:04 PM

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
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User level: Level 9
77,670 points

Posted on Apr 18, 2023 5:18 PM

You need to "Restore" the firmware which will reset the T2 security chip and firmware. I'm not sure whether this process pushes a clean OS onto the internal SSD or whether it will require booting into Internet Recovery Mode to install the OS. I think if you have the laptop being "Restored" connected to the network while "Restoring" the firmware, it may push the OS onto the internal SSD of the laptop. I haven't paid much attention to the process the few times I've used the "Restore"....sometimes it seems like the OS is pushed onto while another time I may need to use Internet Recovery Mode.....still not sure why unless it is the network connection, or whether certain models are different. I do know Apple Silicon Macs will have the OS pushed onto the internal SSD though (Apple's instructions specifically mention it).


You will need access to another Mac running macOS 12.4+ to perform the "Restore" (at least last time I checked....Unfortunately bApple keeps upping the OS requirements for the host Mac).


Revive or restore an Intel-based Mac using Apple Configurator - Apple Support


Unfortunately if this "Restore" does not work, then it may indicate some sort of hardware issue with the laptop. The 2019 model seems to have more issues with the Logic Board than other models.


FYI, unless you already modified the security settings on the laptop to allow booting from external drives, there is no way to do so if the 2018+ Mac does not have any current admin users on it, or if the internal SSD has been erased (users no longer exist), or if the T2 security chip is corrupt and unable to authenticate as an existing admin user. Apple has really made things complicated with the 2018+ models. It is pretty much Recovery Mode or firmware "Restore" these days.

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 9
77,670 points

Apr 18, 2023 5:18 PM in response to ConfusedDesi1

You need to "Restore" the firmware which will reset the T2 security chip and firmware. I'm not sure whether this process pushes a clean OS onto the internal SSD or whether it will require booting into Internet Recovery Mode to install the OS. I think if you have the laptop being "Restored" connected to the network while "Restoring" the firmware, it may push the OS onto the internal SSD of the laptop. I haven't paid much attention to the process the few times I've used the "Restore"....sometimes it seems like the OS is pushed onto while another time I may need to use Internet Recovery Mode.....still not sure why unless it is the network connection, or whether certain models are different. I do know Apple Silicon Macs will have the OS pushed onto the internal SSD though (Apple's instructions specifically mention it).


You will need access to another Mac running macOS 12.4+ to perform the "Restore" (at least last time I checked....Unfortunately bApple keeps upping the OS requirements for the host Mac).


Revive or restore an Intel-based Mac using Apple Configurator - Apple Support


Unfortunately if this "Restore" does not work, then it may indicate some sort of hardware issue with the laptop. The 2019 model seems to have more issues with the Logic Board than other models.


FYI, unless you already modified the security settings on the laptop to allow booting from external drives, there is no way to do so if the 2018+ Mac does not have any current admin users on it, or if the internal SSD has been erased (users no longer exist), or if the T2 security chip is corrupt and unable to authenticate as an existing admin user. Apple has really made things complicated with the 2018+ models. It is pretty much Recovery Mode or firmware "Restore" these days.

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cannot install macOS onto 15inch macbook pro T2 Intel

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