'The recovery server could not be contacted' High Sierra

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Level 1

11 points

'The recovery server could not be contacted' High Sierra

Posting as nothing else I've seen on here has helped. Resetting my older MacBook Pro but now when I go to internet recovery (alt + cmd + r) and try to reinstall, I get 'The recovery server could not be contacted.'

As I say, I've tried all suggestions I can: I've synced the clock, wiped the drive, changed the clock to a time near the launch.

Looking at the Installer Log, the errors read

OSISPredicateUpdateProduct: OS Installation Payload: Timed out loading catalog
OSISPredicateUpdateProduct: OS Installation Payload: No products found.
Predicate update product fetch failed with error: Error Domain=com.apple.OSInstallerSetup.error Code=300 "The recovery server could not be contacted." UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=The recovery server could not be contacted.}

I don't have another Mac I can use to make a bootable medium. Any solutions would be greatly appreciated.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jul 20, 2023 3:39 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HBrigger

Level 1

12 points

Sep 26, 2023 10:12 AM in response to Clos3y

I had this issue as well, but I was able to install a newer OS version using the Opt + CMD + R key combo upon boot. Hopefully that helps someone out... I was stuck trying to install High Sierra when that wasn't even what I needed.

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Answer 2

Clos3y Author

Level 1

11 points

Jul 22, 2023 10:15 AM in response to Clos3y

Fixed, after a great deal of pain.

I managed to source a Mac, running a newer version of macOS than that which I could install on my Mac, meaning I couldn't user the installer method.
I found this Stack Exchange post about this problem, which lead me to maclinks.
I could then make a bootable installer for Sierra, and then upgrade to High Sierra.

Apple can stuff one; it should not be this difficult.

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Answer 3

Clos3y Author

Level 1

11 points

Jul 21, 2023 10:13 AM in response to BDAqua

You reckon Apple have just killed support for High Sierra? I know it's not been updated for two and a half years or so but preventing people from reinstalling is incredibly annoying when this is the only way to do it without a second device.

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Answer 4

Tecagist

Level 1

8 points

Jun 10, 2024 6:13 PM in response to Clos3y

Thank you @hbrigger, I spent a lot of time trying to figure this out and the fastest, easiest, solution all along was Opt + CMD + R. I would still be spinning my wheels had I not seen this reply from you. I also attempted to create a bootable disk but my MAC that I was using is a brand new M3 and does not support older versions of MACOS so I was unable to download and create the bootable media to recover my older 2017 Model MAC. This needs to be easier but anyhow. Thank YOU!!!

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

244,745 points

Jul 20, 2023 4:33 PM in response to Clos3y

1. Start up from macOS Recovery

Option-⌘-R

Upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.

APFS won't work for Sierra, Sierra needs MacOS Extended Journaled. High Sierra won't work for APFS on earlier Macs.

What has often worked for others is to use this Restore Method instead of CMD+r keys...

Option-⌘-R

Upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.

2017 iMac failing to install Sierra in re… - Apple Community

Clean Install of High Sierra: Multiple Fa… - Apple Community

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Answer 6

lanstrad1

Level 2

414 points

Dec 27, 2023 2:21 PM in response to BDAqua

And… where will you take high-sierra if servers are closed 👀?

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Answer 7

lanstrad1

Level 2

414 points

Dec 27, 2023 2:25 PM in response to Clos3y

Well, lucky you had that option…. I was only offered APFS formats on the drop down menu….

And glad i have not wasted more time looking for a way to format “mac os journaled whatever”

Just wondering what is being done when supposedly “recovery over internet” globe is progressing for about half an hour - i thought it was indeed downloading the full installer….

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Answer 8

hippie1

Level 1

34 points

Apr 13, 2024 3:26 PM in response to lanstrad1

I running High Sierra and have been trying for days to contact the Recovery Server with no success.

If it turns out that Apple has shut it down for those of us with older machines, I will not be buying a new machine. I will just do what I can with the iphone.

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Answer 9

BDAqua

Level 10

244,745 points

Jul 21, 2023 3:35 AM in response to Clos3y

You may need to make a USB installer, or have someone do it for you...

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

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

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Answer 10

Clos3y Author

Level 1

11 points

Jul 21, 2023 3:29 AM in response to BDAqua

Yes, I've read your comment elsewhere and the linked items, but as I say, it's not helped. I've reformatted the drive with MacOS Extended Journaled and it still doesn't work.

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