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Eap369

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 26, 2021
5
0
Hello all I have a 2018 MacBook pro and I tried erasing everything in recovery mode. I went to reinstall Mac is and I'm stuck. Every time I try to enter recovery mode with any of the key combinations it just brings me to the choose network page with the spinning globe. From there all I can is connect to WiFi and it tried to install big Sur and just fails with the -2101F error code. I tried connecting via Ethernet and still fails. I made a bootable installer on a USB and the other key combination that allows me to bring up the big Sur installer is holding the option key while booting up. I then select install Mac os big Sur and it takes me to the choose network and the spinning globe again. Any help?
 
I had a similar issue and had to try a dozen times erase, start again and finally made it. I don't know what that error means, but keep on trying.
 
I had a similar issue and had to try a dozen times erase, start again and finally made it. I don't know what that error means, but keep on trying.
I can't even get into being able to ease anything. I get stuck at the choose network with the spinning globe
 
It sounds like you did get to the (Internet) recovery options but it failed to install Big Sur? I'd try that again but use Disk Utility to fully erase the drive. By default you will not see all the device in Disk Utility you have to go to the menu and enable this. Then format to GUID partition table and APFS. Then see if it installs Big Sur.
 
It sounds like you did get to the (Internet) recovery options but it failed to install Big Sur? I'd try that again but use Disk Utility to fully erase the drive. By default you will not see all the device in Disk Utility you have to go to the menu and enable this. Then format to GUID partition table and APFS. Then see if it installs Big Sur.
My problem is I can't get passed the internet recovery page. With and comand+recovery combination at startup
 
I’ve encountered this numerous times. Two solutions worked. Use your mobile phone data/hotspot. Or change your router’s dns to use Google public dns 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. I’ve spoken to multiple Apple tech support who confirmed that error codes 2xxx are connectivity to Apple servers related.

I tried trading in my MBP with Brightstar and they couldn’t figure this out unfortunately so they valued my machine 0.
 
I’ve encountered this numerous times. Two solutions worked. Use your mobile phone data/hotspot. Or change your router’s dns to use Google public dns 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. I’ve spoken to multiple Apple tech support who confirmed that error codes 2xxx are connectivity to Apple servers related.

I tried trading in my MBP with Brightstar and they couldn’t figure this out unfortunately so they valued my machine 0.
I tried the hotspot but I haven't tried changing the dns. Maybe that will work. I'll give it a go. And hope for the best
 
That's tough. I'm pretty sure the dns would apply to new connections to your router but did you try restarting the router and checking that the settings persisted? Also, did you check that the dns is indeed propagated to your mobile or another laptop? If yes, it's probably time to bring your MBP to Apple.
 
Chiming in late with an opinion.

I'm a 35 year experienced it technician with a healthy all around experience from firewalls (pfsense, Fortinet, Zentyal server and of course Linux and windows firewalls), servers (Windows NT 4.0, 2000, 2003, 20012R2, 2016, Fedora server, Oracle server, Ubuntu Server etc and desktops in both Linux and windows flavours) and printers and other various peripheral devices. Admittedly my experience has mostly surrounded windows desktops.

I have been trying to set up a MAC AIR (2020) Retina for work just to have it available when I need to troubleshoot a Mac related call for about 2 months now. I am unfamiliar with MACs but have documentation and follow it to the letter.
I have set this MAC up 3 times now. Each time I do so, I turn it off and close the lid and open the lid when I get a MAC related activity.

Each time I have done this my logon password does not work. I mean I write these passwords down I don't rely on my 58 year old brain. When I need to change a password, I write it down first, then I one finger type it (twice) and change it, then I locked the system and test the password - I KNOW for sure the passwords are correct and yet the MAC tells me incorrect password the next time I start it up.

So, my opinion of MAC's at this point in time is VERY LOW, so low I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy. My MAC motto at this point in time is follow three rules: #1 don't ever buy one, #2 don't ever borrow one and #3 don't ever use one.

Thanks for listening and have a nice day.
 
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