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Problem re-installing Mac OS

Hi All,


Would really appreciate some help.


I bought a second hand mac that had not been reset. I followed the instructions to wipe. I did the command + R. Erased the C disk using the disk tool (as per instructions). I then tried to re-install the OS and then I get the problem.


First of all it does the verification, i input my ID and password, all fine. It then says it needs to switch to UK store from US. It just goes back to the install screen. (I'm assuming at this point it has switched stores).


I then do it agin, put ID/Password again. It then simply shows the message 'this item is temporarily unavailable'


Reading around it would seem that this is an issue because my id would be different to the one that set it up (person i bought from is not too helpful).


So i think i need to reboot to a USB and clean the mac completely installing a new particion, and then running through the process internet free.


This mac was El Captain.

I have my original mac still (A mac mini) running yosemite.


Can anyone help me with next steps, i can't bring my mini to El captain as mac store won't let me install it (only older OS versions will allow). Can i just create a boot stick from Yosemite and do it that way.


Would really appreciate some help, thank you

Danny

PS> Nearest mac store is a plane ride away !!!

iMac

Posted on Mar 10, 2018 1:31 AM

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Mar 10, 2018 9:27 AM in response to DannyLooney

You can create a boot stick using Yosemite and then when that is installed, upgrade to El Capitan. If your mini is running Yosemite, it should be able to run El Capitan. Try the download link below. You can make a bootable USB stick to install using this free program which will do all the work for you. Boot off the USB. Run Disk Utility Verify/Repair Disk and Repair Permissions until you get no errors. If El Capitan USB, run First Aid until you get no errors. Reformat the drive using Disk Utility/Erase Mac OS Extended (Journaled), then click the Option button and select GUID. Quit Disk Utility, then install the OS.


Bootable USB Flash Drive – Diskmaker X oruse Apple’s method Create a bootable installer for OS

El Capitan

Problem re-installing Mac OS

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