can't download software because of a network error

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Level 1

12 points

can't download software because of a network error

I am running High Sierra 10.13 with iTunes 12.8.3 and just loaded IOS 17 to my iPhone 11. I am prompted to download software to bridge the new IOS with my old system - this has happened many times before. This time I get the message that it won't work because of a network error. When I click install, the computer seems to "think" about it for a second or two before the error message. Everything is working fine with our wifi on the new computer and phones.

I have tried:

different networks

Lan connection

Hot spot connection

Safe boot mode

I read about Xcode - but Xcode won't work on my old system.

My questions:

Can someone confirm that IOS 17 should work with High Sierra? Apple support says my system is too old.
Is there a file that I can access and load onto my phone directly?

I appreciate any help. Thanks.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Oct 31, 2023 8:38 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

ddkwilson Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 1, 2023 6:27 AM in response to a brody

Thanks. It says this on the Apple page indicating that it should work with High Sierra. Thoughts?

If you continue to see this message, or if the installation fails:

Install the latest software updates or upgrades for your Mac.
If your iPhone is using iOS 17 or later, or your iPad is using iPadOS 17 or later, make sure that your Mac is using macOS High Sierra or later.
Learn what to do if the update continues to fail for unknown other reasons.

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Answer 2

a brody

Level 10

83,919 points

Nov 1, 2023 6:33 AM in response to ddkwilson

Try a different we browser

Browsers by Mac operating system - Apple Community

Use that other browser to

Download iTunes 12.8.3 for Mac

Then upon opening iTunes, you should be able to connect the iPhone.

Make sure you properly identify the iPhone using http://checkcoverage.apple.com/ and its serial number found under the settings.

If it isn't an iPhone 15, then it uses Lightning connector on the phone end.

If it is an iPhone 15, you need to use a USB-C connector on the phone end.

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

83,919 points

Oct 31, 2023 4:25 PM in response to ddkwilson

Unless your Mac supports Mojave, you won't be able to upgrade:

Upgrading to Mojave (Mac OS 10.14) - Apple Community

And past Mojave, you also have to worry about upgrading to 64 bit compatibility. So read that tip carefully and the one on Catalina carefully on the same page.

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Answer 4

HWTech

Level 9

59,696 points

Nov 1, 2023 6:28 PM in response to ddkwilson

Try booting into Safe Mode to see if it will work. If Safe Mode works, then it means you have some third party software installed which is interfering with the normal operation of macOS. Usual culprits are anti-virus apps, cleaning/optimizer apps, and third party security software....none of which are needed on a Mac.

I guess it is possible that the necessary software is not compatible with High Sierra. It is hard to tell with Apple.

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Answer 5

ddkwilson Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 1, 2023 11:14 AM in response to a brody

I appreciate your help. Thanks for letting me know that Safari is no longer supported on High Sierra -- this solved another mystery I was working on.

I tried updating iTunes from Chrome and I am still in the same situation. Good idea though.

However, when I just plug in my phone to my computer without iTunes open I get the same request to download software and the same error message about the network problem. I read that I should check the system report to see if the computer is recognizing my phone under USB and it does. I also did a Malware scan and cleaned out some junk.

Thanks for your time thinking about my issue.

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Answer 6

ddkwilson Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 2, 2023 2:12 AM in response to HWTech

Thanks for the suggestion. I did try a safe boot. Unfortunately no change. I am starting to feel that there might be no solution even though Apple says High Sierra should work with IOS 17 on the website. Thanks for your time and thoughts.

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Answer 7

a brody

Level 10

83,919 points

Nov 1, 2023 12:52 PM in response to ddkwilson

Then it sounds to me, you may not have enough space to download the software.

How big is your hard drive, and how much free space do you have?

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Answer 8

ddkwilson Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 1, 2023 1:09 PM in response to a brody

I have 140 gb remaining from a 500 gb hard drive.

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Answer 9

a brody

Level 10

83,919 points

Nov 2, 2023 2:22 PM in response to ddkwilson

Set your computer to September 24, 2018 on the Date and Time and try again, turning off the network time server.

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Answer 10

ddkwilson Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 3, 2023 6:10 AM in response to a brody

Love the creative thinking.... Got a new error message about iTunes server certificate and the same message regarding the download. I appreciate your efforts. Thanks.

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can't download software because of a network error

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