"Can't download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X"

Question

Level 1

4 points

"Can't download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X"

Trying to recover a 2011 MacBook Pro that was running Sierra but has been wiped. Goes into Internet Recovery then I Get the message "Can't download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X" (which has been documented elsewhere here). Have tried every suggestion including:-

Setting the date back to 2018

Making a bootable USB (GPT, InstallOS.dmg) with Transmac

Main issue there is the machine WON'T let me select another boot drive. Don't know why, StartupDisk just comes up with a blank selection window. Starting machine with Alt/Options held down just prompts for a WiFi connection (connected, as is Ethernet) then goes straight into Internet Recovery. Firmware password is NOT set.

Have even tried the Terminal procedure suggested by Mr Mackintosh but the curl command is not recognised (and neither is sudo.

Should also add that I have Zero experience of Macs...

So any advice appreciated!

Andrew

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Sep 26, 2024 10:34 AM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

60,752 points

Oct 1, 2024 9:18 PM in response to Pearlygates3

Pearlygates3 wrote:

I have even purchased a bootable USB with Sierra on it (in case the one I made was incorrect). But trying to select it as a Startup Disk fails to see it.

You cannot use the Startup Disk System Preferences for a macOS USB installer. You have to just use the Option Boot method & select the bootable volume from the Apple boot picker menu.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

245,495 points

Oct 1, 2024 6:28 AM in response to Pearlygates3

But trying to select it as a Startup Disk fails to see it.

Have youtrued holding Option key at starup?

Nooby question: Does the Startup disk HAVE to have the same Partition Table format as the internal one? It is MBR and the original SSD GPT.

Intel-based Macs can only boot from GPT drives, while PowerPC-based Macs only support APM.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

245,495 points

Sep 27, 2024 9:13 PM in response to Pearlygates3

Which methds haveyou tried?

Command (⌘)-R Install the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac.

Option-⌘-R Upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.

Shift-Option-⌘-R Install the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.

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Answer 4

Pearlygates3 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 1, 2024 3:02 AM in response to BDAqua

Hi

Sorry for late response -- the system did not notify me that you had replied...

I have tried all of these. It seems to default to trying to install Lion online, but then fails to do that anyway, with the error as detailed above.

FWIW I am now having a similar problem with a second machine - MacBook Air 2020.

I have even purchased a bootable USB with Sierra on it (in case the one I made was incorrect). But trying to select it as a Startup Disk fails to see it.

Nooby question: Does the Startup disk HAVE to have the same Partition Table format as the internal one? It is MBR and the original SSD GPT.

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