i'm stuck!

[martinchivers]

I am currently working on my elderly father‘s 2017 MacBook. I don’t know precisely which model it is, but it only has a USBc socket and no USB. I was getting the start-up screen with the folder with the question mark (?) In the middle but it would occasionally reboot properly. I was then able to download Ventura which failed to install. I did that by going into “this Mac” and going to software update (Ventura) was listed. This was running High Sierra or Big Sur (can’t remember).

I have been using command R to get into MacOS utilities which has four options. (option 1) is restore from Time Machine backup. He has never run a Time Machine back up so cannot do that

Action two is reinstall macOS which I assume is downloaded from the Internet. When going into that option, it comes up with the insulation box for high sierra. When doing that, I get an error message which is. “The recovery server could not be contacted”

The third option is get help online, but all that is is instructions of how to get online

The forth is disk utility. I have run a health check which has not thrown up any errors.

My mother has a Time Machine back up from her 2015 MacBook Air, but I’m unclear as to whether I can restore from that as it is a different computer and the lack of a USB socket on this computer. I would very much appreciate any pointers, as i’m currently in trouble for “Messing up” his computer.


3 pictures attached from various screens i’ve been getting. I don't really mind which OS I install, as long as it works.

 

[MBAir2010]

this is a MacBook a nice one from 2017-2019
I had this problem on my MacBook Pro 2012 as macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 did the same thing
high Sierra has two download options, you need the High Sierra 10.13.0 which is from the App Store,
not the https://support.apple.com/en-us/106377 one.
2 Saturday sago I downloaded the App Store from a macbbok air 2010
then made a ssd drive on a MacBook Air 2020 using etcher, as terminal commands work as well
then I used the usb-c on that MBP, started pressing "cmd" only

but you need to make a usbA drive of that (osx daily)
also MR Macintosh is excellent at this.

I had several restarts during the install which is quite normal.

I hope this will work!

 

[martinchivers]

Thanks. I have an adapter for usb to usbc. I have my own iMac so you are saying I need to download using that and write to a usb stick then install from that?

 

[Bigwaff]

I have same MacBook. Use Option+Command+R is Internet Recovery which will provide install for latest macOS compatible with your MacBook. Recommend you get a USB-C hub with power pass through
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1XLNWP2
and USB-C Ethernet adapter

Anker USB C to Ethernet Adapter - Portable 1-Gigabit Network Hub

Model Number: A8313. PowerExpand USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. The Lightweight and Compact Ethernet Adapter. Stable Connection: Get access to stable, high-speed internet up to 1Gbps. Avoid the latency and interference issues inherent in wireless internet connections for a more consistent, re...

a.co

Internet Recovery has worked flawlessly using hardwired Ethernet attached to hub, MacBook power attached to hub, and hub attached to MacBook.

 

[martinchivers]

It’s not my MacBook, so don’t particularly want to buy a bit of kit. Is the install failing because of using WiFi, then?

 

[Bigwaff]

It’s not my MacBook, so don’t particularly want to buy a bit of kit. Is the install failing because of using WiFi, then?

Most likely. The hub and Ethernet adapter should be standard in any troubleshooting “kit” for modern Mac laptops.

 

[martinchivers]

Morning Guys. I've looked at amazon and found a USBc hub with a ethernet socket. Not ordered it as yet. I have found a USB to USBc adapter here. I've looked on App Store for High Sierra 10.13.0 but it didn't come up. Assuming I can find it and download to a USB stick, (using my working iMac) then, using the adapter, How do I then instal via the screen with the 4 options above? I assume that is done via the second option which is reinstall MacOS.

 

[Bigwaff]

Read this page on MrMacintosh

How to Download macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina & Mojave Full Installers

How to download macOS Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion & Lion 7 ways!

mrmacintosh.com

 

[martinchivers]

thank you. I had a look at this and downloaded Big Sur 11.7.10 onto a SSD from my own Mac. I've plugged it into the MacBook. Using a USB to USBc adapter. Now I have to install from that, I assume. But from the options there doesn't appear to be anything like "instal from a file" or whatever.