Failed to create activation request

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Level 1

5 points

Failed to create activation request

I could not install any MacOS updates or new versions. It would repeatedly ask for the password. The current MacOS updates would not accept my password to install. I'm using an admin account and I know the correct password which works to login, etc. I followed instructions that had me reboot into safe mode and using the command line, running resetpassword. After reseting the account password, it said it need to deactivate the Mac and that I should have an internet connection. I did and it came back with the message: Failed to create activation request. How can I activate the computer without loosing my data? Why did it fail to create activation? Please help.

Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Oct 24, 2023 11:01 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

John Galt

Level 10

155,060 points

Oct 24, 2023 1:21 PM in response to steveng.mac

What instructions did you follow?

From what you describe, it appears that you will need to deactivate Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

Activation Lock for Mac - Apple Support

If those efforts fail then you may need to restore your Mac: Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator - Apple Support. Before doing that contact Apple Support to determine if they have any better ideas: Official Apple Support

Do you have a Time Machine backup? Are you able to create one now? If you can, Back up your files with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support because that Mac may need to be erased.

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Answer 2

jakeah18

Level 1

14 points

Feb 22, 2024 11:12 AM in response to John Galt

No, it is not Activation Locked. It is different, and none of the steps for Activation Lock will work for this. On Intel based Macs, you can boot to target disk mode to salvage the data and wipe it, but on any M1/M2/M3's, you are more than likely going to need to wipe the device and start over. You can't get into any settings, external boot drives, menus, NOTHING.

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Failed to create activation request

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