Activation Lock didn't clear: --1008F error.

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Activation Lock didn't clear: --1008F error.

Recently I received a donation of a MacBook Pro model A-1990. The owner wanted the content erased and using her Apple ID I ran the erase option from the recovery menu. When the internet recovery download process completes, the error code -1008F displays. I have removed the computer from the list of devices in her iCloud "Find My" page, but continue to see the same error when I attempt recovery [Option-command-R]. The computer will not boot from external media.

I want to install Linux Mint from external media. Any suggestions?

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Nov 12, 2023 1:37 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 12, 2023 2:48 PM in response to rbshreve2

If your Mac starts up to error -1008F

If your Mac starts up to error -1008F - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Nov 12, 2023 6:00 PM in response to rbshreve2

Other ways to disable Activation Lock

If you don't have access to your Mac or the settings above, use a web browser on another device to remove Activation Lock on the web.
Activation Lock is disabled when you use the Erase All Content and Settings feature.

If your previously owned Mac shows an Activation Lock window that asks for someone else's Apple ID, the previous owner may need to remove Activation Lock for you.

from:

Activation Lock for Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Nov 12, 2023 6:28 PM in response to rbshreve2

this might be getting too complicated for Users to solve. you may have to throw yourself at the mercy of Apple support:

Official Apple Support

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Answer 4

rbshreve2 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 12, 2023 3:46 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I have followed the instructions in the article you suggested, but the activation lock error still shows. Here's the list:

Recovery Mode [command-R] or [option-command-R] : The computer launches the recover by Internet, it progresses for about ten minutes and ends with the 1008F error code.

Boot from external media [Option] with media in USB port. : The screen showing the USB with an arrow to select it appears. Click the arrow. Same result as above.

Boot with no keypress. Computer displays the question mark icon flashing with the Apple support link below it.

Nothing I do launches the recover from media menu.

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Answer 5

rbshreve2 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 12, 2023 6:11 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant,

Thanks for responding. Yes, I removed the Macbook Pro from the "Find my" list in the original owner's iCloud account. I agree that should have removed the lock, but it didn't. Since the HDD has been erased, and the computer won't boot, none of the usual recovery menus appear.

I fear I should have changed the preferences before erasing the HDD. However, I didn't know that they had been set to prevent booting from external media, or that it was even possible to choose such an option. So now I seem to have no way of booting the computer.

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Activation Lock didn't clear: --1008F error.

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