Installing Mojave on empty hard drive

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Installing Mojave on empty hard drive

Hello, I am tentatively looking to upgrade from High Sierra to Mojave but before doing so want to install Mojave on a blank drive I have installed in my Mac Pro so that I can test my software on it for compatibility and functionality before committing to it fully.

I have the installer downloaded and I see that there is a need to install a firmware upgrade before proceeding.

I was just checking what the firmware is needed for and if I need it installed on the boot drive, which has High Sierra currently running, when I am looking to install mojave on the other blank drive in the Mac Pro?

Just looking for a bit of guidance?

It may be obvious to others but its been a while since I have had to upgrade so just a bit rusty on things!

Posted on Dec 11, 2024 9:56 AM

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Answer 1

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HWTech

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Dec 11, 2024 2:17 PM in response to Anthony ÓDoibhailein

The firmware update gets applied to the computer itself, not to any drive other than to use the drive as a staging platform. Just install Mojave to the external drive and it will update the system firmware of the computer.

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Answer 2

Dec 11, 2024 11:08 AM in response to Anthony ÓDoibhailein

This firmware upgrade is necessary for Mojave to be able in preboot step to manage the GPU card.

High Sierra doesn't need such complex GPU functions from the GPU.

If Apple correctly tested this firmware upgrade, which they usually do,

then both High Sierra and Mojave should then boot from your upgraded firmware.

Another method for you to test Mojave fully and running on top of High Sierra is to install

Virtual Box ( a virtualization environment from Oracle ), and then install Mojave in it.

See for example: myspaghetti : shell script installer of macOS on top of VirtualBox, which I haven't tested yet.

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Answer 3

Dec 13, 2024 2:05 AM in response to HWTech

Thanks for the clarity. I started the process only for the hard drive I was installing on to show errors and thus the installer wouldn't allow me to proceed! So I shall need to first replace the Hard Drive before proceeding. I shall be in touch with any updates.

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Answer 4

Dec 13, 2024 2:06 AM in response to Zorba_le_grec

Thanks for this. Seems like an option and shall make note for future upgrades. Appreciate your time.

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Installing Mojave on empty hard drive

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