Need Help Updating OS on MacBook Pro 13-inch, Early 2011

[Art Teacher]

I'm currently using El Capitan 10.11.6.
Trying to update so I can use Photoshop, which minimally requires High Sierra (10.13)
I attempted to update to High Sierra and got the crossed out circle. Had to go back to El Capitan.
I have 8GB of RAM.

Any help needs to be stated in the most basic of terms, as I am in no way knowledgable in these kinds of tech details.

Wondering if I can somehow keep my beloved device, or if I will have to dish out some funds for a new one

 

[robvas]

Dosdude patcher...

 

[Art Teacher]

I keep finding info that says MacBook Pros mid 2010 and newer should be ok. Any idea why my 2011 could be problematic?

 

[robvas]

A hundred things could be wrong with it. But the 15” 2011 were the problematic ones not the 13”

 

[Art Teacher]

Since all info states that I should be able to update, I'm wondering if there is a way to tell what's wrong. For instance, do I need to try to install Sierra before High Sierra? When I got the crossed out circle, I was able to do the recommended diagnostic runs (can't recall what they were - but it was on a weird screen before I erased everything and reinstalled El Cap and my backup files) and nothing was found.

 

[hallux]

The 13" had issues with the SATA cable, I wonder if this is causing problems with the new OS?

Did you try using Internet Recovery? Using the key combination to install the latest OS supported by the Mac would get you High Sierra. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201314

 

[CoastalOR]

Before doing a OS upgrade, make sure you have a good backup of your current 10.11.6 system incase the upgrade has a problem and you need to restore your current system to get back to a operational system.

Check the condition on your MBP internal drive with Disk Utility app:

How to repair a Mac storage device with Disk Utility - Apple Support

Disk Utility can find and repair errors related to the formatting and directory structure of a Mac storage device. Errors can lead to unexpected behavior when using your Mac, and significant errors might even prevent your Mac from starting up completely.

support.apple.com

Some people have needed to do a SMC reset before upgrading the OS:

Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

The SMC is responsible for managing power on your Mac. Resetting it can resolve certain uncommon issues related to power or thermal management.

support.apple.com

Are you following the steps in the Apple Support article?

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system on compatible Mac computers.

support.apple.com

Where in the upgrade steps do you have the problem?

 

[hallux]

I just remembered - was it Sierra that brought some firmware/SMC updates, which might then be needed for High Sierra?

 

[Art Teacher]

Before doing a OS upgrade, make sure you have a good backup of your current 10.11.6 system incase the upgrade has a problem and you need to restore your current system to get back to a operational system.

Check the condition on your MBP internal drive with Disk Utility app:

How to repair a Mac storage device with Disk Utility - Apple Support

Disk Utility can find and repair errors related to the formatting and directory structure of a Mac storage device. Errors can lead to unexpected behavior when using your Mac, and significant errors might even prevent your Mac from starting up completely.

support.apple.com

Some people have needed to do a SMC reset before upgrading the OS:

Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

The SMC is responsible for managing power on your Mac. Resetting it can resolve certain uncommon issues related to power or thermal management.

support.apple.com

Are you following the steps in the Apple Support article?

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system on compatible Mac computers.

support.apple.com

Where in the upgrade steps do you have the problem?

Yeah - I followed the directions provided by Mac. I meet all of the compatibility requirements. I have more than enough space available.

I'm not familiar with SMC, although have seen it mentioned on other sites/posts. I'll look into that one.

I did a scan with the disk utility. This happened after I attempted to install High Sierra. I got the screen that allows you to select to have it scanned and no problems were found.
I ended up using my back up to wipe out my computer and reinstall El Cap and all of my documents and files. I'm back to square one, but at least it's working. Just wish I could figure out why it seemingly meets all of the requirements yet the updated OS won't work.
I wondered if there was something I was missing. OS updates have worked for this machine and other Macs that I've had and was super easy. I didn't need any tech knowledge or help.
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I just remembered - was it Sierra that brought some firmware/SMC updates, which might then be needed for High Sierra?

This might be my next step - to try to upgrade half way.

 

[retta283]

I am not aware of anything blocking you from going from El Cap to High Sierra, but I think trying Sierra is a good compromise solution. You may consider creating a second partition on your Mac's hard drive so you don't have to reinstall El Capitan every time it fails. Just install Sierra/other new OS on the second partition.