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Why are the older MacOS versions available from the App Store, link fails everytime?!

Trying to restore my old mac, can't get and OS from Apple. Is this a cheap tactic to get my to buy new, this hardware isn't compatible with Catalina. For that matter my 2017 hardware isn't compatible with Catalina either!!! crashes my new Pro everytime.

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.12

Posted on Mar 27, 2020 9:47 AM

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Mar 31, 2020 10:06 AM in response to ryanfromdunn

Your 2017 Mac is Catalina Compatible. If you are getting a crash, it probably is because of one of the following:

  1. You have security features turned on in the restore mode. You will need to unlock with your installed admin ID. Command-R boots into restore.
  2. Filevault is turned on in Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Security.
  3. Installed LaunchDaemons from other software are not 64 bit. Use Go64

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/index.html to make sure you aren't running anything that is 32 bit.


4.You are running some LaunchDaemons that are preventing the installer from running. Use http://www.etrecheck.com/ to see what is running in the background. No cleaner, Macpaw, Zeobit, or virus software should be running when you attempt to install Catalina. Copy/paste its results here, and we can help you.


Don't assume it is Apple.

http://www.macmaps.com/docs/DOC-13695/

tells you which Macs are compatible with Catalina.

Mar 31, 2020 9:19 AM in response to BDAqua

No. I am using 10.14.6, App store is up to date. Even the link sent to me directly by tech support does not open the older OS's. This is all a coordinated scam to get everyone to keep buying newer compatible devices. Gone are the day's of making a good product and standing by it.

Even though obviously I just did an unsuccessful search for Mojave OS in the app store.

Mar 31, 2020 11:06 AM in response to a brody

My computer crashed so bad that I had to take it to an "authorized" Apple repair facility so they could re-install the old OS. I was on the phone with tech support, performing the "upgrade" for over two hours before the tech gave up and told me to take it to a store. I am not a complete moron, I can follow directions, so even if any of those problems were present the tech had me verify, i.e file vault is off, and yes I am using the admin account. While Apple lists compatibility and support staff verifies, practical application still results in failure. And nobody knows why. $200 later....This still doesn't fix the problem of needing to download high sierra for my 2011 macbook.....Unless you mean I can't access the App store because I don't have Catalina...

Mar 31, 2020 12:26 PM in response to ryanfromdunn

Ryan,

At first you said 2017 laptop at the start of the thread. They are correct a 2011 Laptop can't connect to Catalina.

http://www.macmaps.com/docs/DOC-13695/


explains what can and can't upgrade. If you look up your Machine ID you'll know your machine's limits.

2011 laptops fell between the cracks.


Those before July 20, 2011 required bundled installation discs, and did not work with system restore disc unless you installed a firmware first.

Mar 31, 2020 9:01 PM in response to a brody

I understand, I tend to not be clear when I'm ranting because I've spent so much money on Apple products that are failing to measure up to the quality I expect.


Okay I said: Trying to restore my old mac, can't get an OS from Apple. Is this a cheap tactic to get my to buy new, this hardware isn't compatible with Catalina. For that matter my 2017 hardware isn't compatible with Catalina either!!! crashes my new Pro every time.


Let me break that down. "my old mac"= 2011 that i cannot get to reload an OS after the hard drive failed.

"for that matter (implying a change of subject) my 2017 will not upgrade either...see previoius posts for details


No my 2011 did not come with restore disks. So 2011's "fell thru the cracks" sounds like another Apple business practice failure.


If I pay $3,200 dollars for a computer and it won't upgrade to the next available OS, when their information clearly says it is compatible, yes I'm going to blame apple for making a crappy product.


For my original complaint: If Apple Support sends me a link to the App store, then the App Store blocks my access to that link, or when the company (Apple) no longer makes the software available via search (on the App store), then I am going to blame them for shady business practices that prevent me from keeping my older hardware working.


Now is there any part of that someone can help with? Anyone got a mirror site, to download any older MacOS's? Maybe a Quality Control contact at Apple I can advance my issues beyond tech support? Somebody want to dropbox me a USB bootable 'Sierra'? Can anyone else open the older MacOS downloads from App Store, or is it only me?



Apr 1, 2020 4:42 AM in response to ryanfromdunn

The only quality control you can offer Apple is joining http://developer.apple.com/ and becoming a member of the http://bugreporter.apple.com/

Note, Apple will require you to sign a confidentiality agreement.

That means no posting the results of your findings on this board or any other.

They may occasionally ask for feedback, or mark a bug duplicate, or “resolved.”

If you feel it is unresolved, I encourage you to post a new ticket saying the old case is not resolved. You will need to use the System Report from the Apple menu -> About This Mac in your reports.

Why are the older MacOS versions available from the App Store, link fails everytime?!

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