So I recently bought a 2009 Polycarbonate Unibody MacBook from a thrift store when I got it it macOS High Sierra on it but then I tried to wipe the drive so I could go have a clean os but now when I try to install it It keeps saying “cannot reach the recovery server”. I’ve tried changing the date, going back to old versions and nothing has worked if anyone has any advice that would be greatly appreciated
High Sierra is not available on install discs. You will need to go through the process:
Install Snow Leopard from the retail installer CD that looks like:
and does not say Dropin, OEM, or update on it.
Install an older web browser that supports Snow Leopard.
Then 10.6.8 combo update
Then run Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Software Update to get all the other 10.6.8 patches.
Then follow these directions to get El Capitan. Which when done also links to High Sierra directions.
Sadly 2009 MacBooks are too old for internet recovery and needs to get up to 10.6.8 or later to take advantage of the App Store downloads.
As I understand it, Appleton longer provides some older OS downloads, including High Sierra. You will need to locate a set of installation disks for High Sierra.
Can’t install macOS on my 2009 MacBook
