My MBA was in storage for four years. I would like to bring the OS up to date which is currently 10.7.5. I tried to do this from the Apple drop down menu "software update" but received the message that all software is up to date. Having read that a direct to Sierra update from 10.7 is possible, I tried this too-but no luck from this route either. Any ideas on how to get my MBA back in action?
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The 'Software Update' will just update Lion (max version is 10.7.5, so it'll show as being up-to-date).
Best thing to do is open the App Store and search for Sierra. It'll be available for download there. Once it's downloaded, it'll install and update your Mac to 10.12.
Many thanks Keys, but as I wrote before, I have tried to download Sierra several times. The download begins but then stops, generating the message "the download failed, check your internet connection", However, the internet connection is otherwise problem free with other computers that access it meaning that I am able to update and download apps etc on my other computers. Incidentally, I turned off the other computers when trying to upgrade to Sierra on my MBA. I have verified my disk, etc and realized some improvement in performance but no change to the OS update issue. Perhaps there is an interim update I could download first?
I'm really sorry Lynn, I glazed over that bit. Just to reassure you that you're not doing anything wrong.
Do you have a different Mac you can download the Sierra update on? If so, or if you have one that's already updated to Sierra, it just downloads to your Applications folder. The 'update to macOS' DMG file will still be there. From there you can copy that file to a pendrive and drop it onto the Mac you're trying to upgrade. Then update the OS from there.
If you don't have any other Macs, give me a shout. I'm sure we can figure out a different way to download the update. Not to worry.
Hi Again KOA! Thanks so much for your quick reply! I have an iMac at home but I am traveling and only have an iPad with me. The other computers I referred to are those of the other guests where I am staying…and my iPhone. I will be back home in a week or so and can try your fix then - thanks again! It is good to know there is a way around this. LynnI'm really sorry Lynn, I glazed over that bit. Just to reassure you that you're not doing anything wrong.
Do you have a different Mac you can download the Sierra update on? If so, or if you have one that's already updated to Sierra, it just downloads to your Applications folder. The 'update to macOS' DMG file will still be there. From there you can copy that file to a pendrive and drop it onto the Mac you're trying to upgrade. Then update the OS from there.
If you don't have any other Macs, give me a shout. I'm sure we can figure out a different way to download the update. Not to worry.
p.s. there may be more to this story..see the other post I am about to post "I gave my MBA a glass of wine and put it to sleep for 4 years. Following a bath it is running…but…" It should be posted in 15 minutes