Can't make bootable usb

Question

Level 1

6 points

Can't make bootable usb

Hi all.

I've been trying everything to create a bootable USB for older OS's, using terminal commands suggested in links given in this forum and using 3rd party apps like DiskMakerX and Install Disk Creator. I'm running 10.11 and have 10.8 and 10.9 downloaded from the App Store. I did succeed in creating a bootable USB which I then installed onto a partition on an external HD for El Capitan. I'm wondering why the older OS's do not work. It's as though the installers are corrupt, even though downloaded from Apple.

The messages I get, when the process fails are either that there's something wrong with the installer (in the case of 10.8) or that the process ultimately failed because of something in Utilities that would load.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you.

Posted on Jun 21, 2017 7:17 PM

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Answer 1

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,962 points

Jun 22, 2017 5:36 PM in response to Kiwisda

Apple has an answer for creating bootable installers for macOS and OS X.

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Answer 2

Kiwisda Author

Level 1

6 points

Jun 22, 2017 5:53 PM in response to VikingOSX

Hi Viking.

What is not clear in article that you linked me to is this: all the examples seem to be for creating a bootable disk for the same OS that you are now using. For example, you have Sierra and you want to create a bootable disk for Sierra; or you have Mavericks and want to create a bootable disk for Mavericks. And, indeed, I was able to create one for El Capitan (the OS I am now running). But I have NOT been able to succeed in making a bootable disk for either Mavericks or Mountain Lion.

With Mavericks, it kind of created a bootable partition on an external drive, but when I try to boot it, I get the message (after a few minutes) saying that the version is not valid, and that it seems to have been corrupted or tampered with during downloading. Yet I downloaded it directly from the App Store just a few days ago.

With Mountain Lion, also downloaded from the Store at the same time, it won't even try to make a bootable disk, saying "Sorry, your OS X Install app or DMG may be incomplete. Delete your install application, then download it again from the App Store." I did that (downloaded it again), but with the same result.

Is it possible that the install disks from the App Store are faulty?

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Answer 3

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,962 points

Jun 23, 2017 12:08 AM in response to Kiwisda

There is nothing wrong with the full OS X, and macOS Sierra installers that one downloads from the past purchases tab of the Mac App Store.

As recently as this Spring, I systematically downloaded Lion through Sierra installers from the Mac App Store, and used the createinstallmedia command from each respective installer — to make bootable USB sticks. I have since used three of those USB sticks without any issue. I don't make any other form of bootable media. I received no error messages, or interruptions during the process of creating my boot USB stick boot media.

The problem with the install media is not on Apple's end, or I would have encountered issues. I suggest that you boot into recovery and run first aid on your boot drive, and each external media that you plan to install too. Your drive may be failing, thus corrupting the downloads, or you have software running that could be having an adverse effect on the download (e.g. anti-virus, malware, etc.). And lastly, there is the human factor — not performing the createinstallmedia command sequence per Apple guidelines.

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Answer 4

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,962 points

Jun 23, 2017 6:45 AM in response to Kiwisda

I also recommend that you review John Galt's procedure for making bootable installers.

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Answer 5

Kiwisda Author

Level 1

6 points

Jun 23, 2017 12:10 AM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks for your full reply. I'm very glad to hear that there will be nothing wrong with the OS's that I downloaded. I will try the things you suggested.

Cheers!

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