could not create a preboot volume for APFS install

I had the same problem too. To fix it I did:

Reboot w/ option+command+R

Open terminal, and execute:

"diskutil list"

Then, find the drive name that you want to erase and reinstall macOS on, in my case it's "disk0"

Then use:

"diskutil eraseDisk JHFS+ NewVolume disk0"

(As a warning, this will erase everything that is on the physical drive, not just a single volume on the drive, so you will need to have backed up your data elsewhere.)

Now you should be able to go ahead with the "install macOS" option as your describe above.

(For some reason the "preboot volume" error only happens when trying to install High Sierra on an AFS drive, but does not occur if you use a JHFS+ drive to start).

Once you select View | View all Devices from the menu, you should see something like Container Disk 1 under the Apple SSD device on the left. Click on that device. Then you should be able to press the Erase button. Be sure to select Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Hi Alexandres! I had this problem some days ago and I could not manage to fix it. It seems like the problem is quite big. I went to the place I bought my Mac, and they said they would fix it for me for free, sense I still have the warranty of 2 years, and I hadn’t damaged my computer in any way (the local store gave me 2 years, think Apple have 1 year, but I am not 100% sure). I would recommend you doing the same, of course if you still have the warranty.

This link ultimately got my problem resolved. Help, Erased iMac HDD volume drive trying reset my iMac to factory conditions | Page 8 | MacRumors Forums

I had this issue with a new 2017 MacBook Pro already pre-installed with High Sierra. The issue is that if the Macintosh HD volume is already using APFS, you first need to reformat the drive with the Mac OS Extended Journal format. This is likely just a bug in the installation program. To do this, follow the steps:

- Run Internet Recover program by holding Command, Option R while powering up the Mac

- In Disk Utility, go to View | Show all Devices

- Reformat the Container device to Mac OS Extended (Journal)

- Exit Disk Utility and then attempt to run the Mac OS install again.

I get error: -69877: Couldn't open device when I typed "diskutil eraseDisk JHFS+ NewVolume disk0"

I have the same issue, has anyone found a solution yet?

hi,

I am having the same problem. How exactly do I "Reformat the Container device to Mac OS Extended (Journal)"?

Do you know exactly which buttons I need to press?

Thanks

Thanks a bunch! Still doesn't work though... I get the message "Erase process has failed. Click Done to continue."

Any ideas?

Sorry. Not sure what is different in your environment. I'm assuming you were in the Internet Recovery Mode before you tried this process. I'm not sure why any of the volumes would be active.

Yes, I was in the Internet Recovery Mode... So upsetting.. 😟 I will try to go to a store tomorrow to see if they can fix it...

But thank you for trying anyway! Appreciated the help 🙂

Dear Chacon:

Could you share the expert solution answer you have received from the store las month?

Hi! Have the same problem as you? Did you fix it??

Never mind

I'm having the same problem. Have you fixed it?