Q: Used createinstallmedia to make a el capitan bootable USB, 2011 MPB won't boot from it.
I used createinstallmedia to make a el capitan USB boot drive. I'm going to be replacing the hard drive in a another computer, and was going to use the USB boot disk to install el capitan on the brand new blank drive. The command worked great, and I can open the installer fine. When I hold Option and reboot I see the USB installer as an option, but then about 3/4 of the way through the progress bar I just get a grey screen with a circle and a line through it (like a no smoking sign).
My late 2011 MBP is up to date, and I downloaded a fresh copy of the el capitan installer today for this. I also made sure to reformat the USB drive to OS X extended and GUID.
I was under the impression that I would be able to use the USB to boot (almost) any mac and run the installer or disk utility. I'd love some help if anyone has info about why this isn't working.
Thanks!
MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)
Posted on Feb 10, 2016 4:07 PM
This lists compatibility…
Upgrade to OS X El Capitan - Apple Support
If you are certain the model is correct & you have 2GB or more RAM you may need to review how you made the USB image.
Apple have this info, did you follow this article or use something else?
Create a bootable installer for OS X - Apple Support
Is the output still in your Terminal window, it completed OK?
I would try using another USB drive, sometimes they can fail to work for booting also try other USB ports & remove any other non-essential devices.
Posted on Feb 11, 2016 5:59 AM