Resolved backing up file(s) needed to create Mac OS High Sierra installer

[rib00]

Monterey

I downloaded Mac OS High Sierra from the App store. The download resulted in a new icon in Applications.

I am now considering installing Mac OS High Sierra to replace Mac OS Monterey.

But first, I want to preserve the file(s) that are needed to create 'install media' for Mac OS High Sierra. Note that I have already created the USB thumb drive installer. But, I want to be able to erase the USB thumb drive at a later date and still have the needful.

Or would it make a lot of sense for me to clone the thumb drive (and maybe shrink the resulting file)?

 

[Bigwaff]

Don't delete the macOS High Sierra application. You can simply make more USB thumb drives. If you want to wipe out the Monterey install, the HS install application can just be copied to another drive. When you want to make another USB thumb drive, just run the command again, taking into consideration where you copied the application.

 

[rib00]

Don't delete the macOS High Sierra application. You can simply make more USB thumb drives. If you want to wipe out the Monterey install, the HS install application can just be copied to another drive. When you want to make another USB thumb drive, just run the command again, taking into consideration where you copied the application.

So, to sum it up, I copy and paste the 1 file from the applications folder to an external drive, right?

Also,
I now see that the space used on the USB thumb drive with the installer is ~ 5.4 GB.
Seems about the same size as the file in the applications folder.
So, I think that the disk image is the more attractive option.
That way, my operating system options in which to re-create the USB thumb drive installer is VERY flexible. And no internet needed (as is the case with the "application" file).

 

[Bigwaff]

Seems about the same size as the file in the applications folder.
So, I think that the disk image is the more attractive option.
That way, my operating system options in which to re-create the USB thumb drive installer is VERY flexible. And no internet needed (as is the case with the "application" file).

If doing it based on what you think, instead of what's been proven to work over the years, would be best to test your theory and attempt an install using your "more attractive option", so, as you say, "still have the needful".