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macOS Sierra Installation issue!

I have received this message "An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again." when I tried to re-install the macOS from recovery menu. I tried running the installation process a couple of times but it still showed the same error message. What should I do about it?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12)

Posted on Oct 16, 2018 1:03 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 16, 2018 1:47 PM

In this case, you are going to need to try erasing the drive before reinstalling Mac OS.


Install El Capitan or Later from Scratch


If possible back up your files.


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the CommandandRkeys until the Apple logo appears. When the Utility Menu appears:
  2. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on the Continue button.
  3. When Disk Utility loads select the volume (indented entry, usually Macintosh HD) from the Device list.
  4. Click on the Erase icon in Disk Utility's main window. A panel will drop down.
  5. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  6. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.
  7. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  8. Select Install OS X and click on the Continue button.


This will install the version of OS X you had installed.

If this fails then it means your hard drive or SSD will need to be replaced.

9 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 16, 2018 1:47 PM in response to harsha3003

In this case, you are going to need to try erasing the drive before reinstalling Mac OS.


Install El Capitan or Later from Scratch


If possible back up your files.


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the CommandandRkeys until the Apple logo appears. When the Utility Menu appears:
  2. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on the Continue button.
  3. When Disk Utility loads select the volume (indented entry, usually Macintosh HD) from the Device list.
  4. Click on the Erase icon in Disk Utility's main window. A panel will drop down.
  5. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  6. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.
  7. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  8. Select Install OS X and click on the Continue button.


This will install the version of OS X you had installed.

If this fails then it means your hard drive or SSD will need to be replaced.

Oct 16, 2018 1:17 PM in response to harsha3003

Reinstall El Capitan or Later Without Erasing Drive


Please be sure you back up.


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Utility Menu appears.
  2. Select Disk Utility and click on the Continue button.
  3. Select the indented (usually, Macintosh HD) volume entry from the side list.
  4. Click on the First Aid icon in the toolbar. Wait until the Done button activates, then click on it.
  5. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  6. Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.


Also, see this User Tip: Basic Steps for Upgrading OS X.

Oct 16, 2018 1:24 PM in response to Kappy

I've tried running first aid, but it showed me this error message- "First Aid process has failed. If possible back up the data on this volume. Click done to continue."


I've clicked "show details" button below this message, and it showed as:


Verifying storage system

Storage system check exit code is 8.

Repairing storage system

Storage system check exit code is 8.

Storage system verify or repair failed.

Operating failed....

macOS Sierra Installation issue!

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