Installing Mac OS on external HDD

[ML_DK]

Hi

I'm trying to install high sierra on a external SSD (250GB) it's formatted in mac os expanded. the installation shuts down when the computer reboots during the installation. The installation program gives me the 2 errors you see in the attached image. first it says that the disk is to small, and then it gives me a error "System/Installation/packages/OSInstall.mpkg is damaged"

I've also tried to instal from reboot (cmd+r) and then selecting repari/reinstall, on the external hdd - same errors as above. - and i've tried downloading os sierra 3 times now to make sure, it wasn't a bad file in the installationfile.



What am i doing wrong? Why is it nessesery to reboot the computer, when i'm installing on a secondary hdd.



BR



Martin

 

[Fishrrman]

Do you have a "full copy" of the High Sierra installer inside your Applications folder?

If so, I suggest you try this:
1. Get a USB flashdrive 16gb (you can try 8gb, not sure if it works with that size)
2. Download the FREE little app "Boot Buddy":
https://sqwarq.com/boot-buddy/
3. Initialize the flashdrive to HFS+ with journaling enabled
4. Use BB to create a bootable copy of the installer on the flashdrive.

Now.. BOOT FROM the flashdrive.
Then, use Disk Utility to AGAIN erase the SSD to HFS+ with journaling enabled. NUKE IT.
Now, try the OS installer ("aimed at" the SSD) again.

Do things go any better using this approach?
I believe it's worth your time to try it.

 

[ML_DK]

Do you have a "full copy" of the High Sierra installer inside your Applications folder?

If so, I suggest you try this:
1. Get a USB flashdrive 16gb (you can try 8gb, not sure if it works with that size)
2. Download the FREE little app "Boot Buddy":
https://sqwarq.com/boot-buddy/
3. Initialize the flashdrive to HFS+ with journaling enabled
4. Use BB to create a bootable copy of the installer on the flashdrive.

Now.. BOOT FROM the flashdrive.
Then, use Disk Utility to AGAIN erase the SSD to HFS+ with journaling enabled. NUKE IT.
Now, try the OS installer ("aimed at" the SSD) again.

Do things go any better using this approach?
I believe it's worth your time to try it.

[doublepost=1514491247][/doublepost]Same errors. I’m trying El Capitan or Yosemite to se if they give same errors.

 

[ML_DK]

Do you have a "full copy" of the High Sierra installer inside your Applications folder?

If so, I suggest you try this:
1. Get a USB flashdrive 16gb (you can try 8gb, not sure if it works with that size)
2. Download the FREE little app "Boot Buddy":
https://sqwarq.com/boot-buddy/
3. Initialize the flashdrive to HFS+ with journaling enabled
4. Use BB to create a bootable copy of the installer on the flashdrive.

Now.. BOOT FROM the flashdrive.
Then, use Disk Utility to AGAIN erase the SSD to HFS+ with journaling enabled. NUKE IT.
Now, try the OS installer ("aimed at" the SSD) again.

Do things go any better using this approach?
I believe it's worth your time to try it.

[doublepost=1514504128][/doublepost]GOT IT!!
High Sierra won't work on a SSD formated in HFS+ . SSD has to be foramted in apfs to work with High Sierra - as I understand it's Only High Sierra which demands apfs format.
DVD drive is now replaced with SSD and I' starting up apron 4 times faster than with my SATA!

Thanks for the help - hope others can use the information above.

Br

Martin

 

[MacGizmo]

[doublepost=1514504128][/doublepost]GOT IT!!
High Sierra won't work on a SSD formated in HFS+ . SSD has to be foramted in apfs to work with High Sierra - as I understand it's Only High Sierra which demands apfs format.
DVD drive is now replaced with SSD and I' starting up apron 4 times faster than with my SATA!

You stated the problem in your first sentence... I'm surprised nobody pointed it out sooner. Sometimes when it's too obvious, it's easily overlooked.

There's no better bang-for-the-buck upgrade than an SSD Drive. Glad you're enjoying the new-found speed.

 

[maflynn]

High Sierra won't work on a SSD formated in HFS+

I don't think that's the case. I was able to install HS on my external drive and that was not formatted to APFS. I just reinstalled it and re-formatted to APFS, but previously my Samsung T3 was on HFS+ and HS is supposed to be fully compatible with HFS+ meaning you are not required to use APFS

 

[Fishrrman]

"High Sierra won't work on a SSD formated in HFS+ . SSD has to be foramted in apfs to work with High Sierra"

This is NOT CORRECT.

High Sierra will install on an EXTERNALLY connected SSD (such as one connected via USB3) that is initialized to HFS+ with journaling enabled.

You can also use the terminal to "force" an HFS+ installation (of HS) on an interally-mounted SSD. See this URL:
https://apple.stackexchange.com/que...ent-conversion-to-apfs-on-high-sierra-install

More:
Terminal command for install without filesystem upgrade for the final installer:
Code:
/Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/startosinstall --converttoapfs NO

Agree to the License Agreement and a reboot should start.