Getting a copy of macOS High Sierra

[Fishrrman]

OP --
Why, why why do you make things so hard?

If you are currently running Low Sierra, and want to try High Sierra, do this:
1. Use CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper to clone the Low Sierra install to an EXTERNAL drive.
2. Use the proper version of DiskMaker X (link below) to create the bootable flashdrive
https://diskmakerx.com/diskmaker-x-for-macos-10-13-high-sierra-is-ready/
3. Boot from the USB flash drive
4. Install High Sierra (I'd just install it "right over" the Low Sierra install)
5. It will involve time and a few reboots, BE PATIENT.
6. When done, log into the new install
7. Keep the Low Sierra backup around for a while (at least a month).

Again:
Why, why why do you make things so hard?

One more thing:
If you don't want your drive converted from HFS+ to APFS during the High Sierra install, there is a terminal command that will do this for you.

 

[MBAir2010]

OP --
Why, why why do you make things so hard?

If you are currently running Low Sierra, and want to try High Sierra, do this:
1. Use CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper to clone the Low Sierra install to an EXTERNAL drive.
2. Use the proper version of DiskMaker X (link below) to create the bootable flashdrive
https://diskmakerx.com/diskmaker-x-for-macos-10-13-high-sierra-is-ready/
3. Boot from the USB flash drive
4. Install High Sierra (I'd just install it "right over" the Low Sierra install)
5. It will involve time and a few reboots, BE PATIENT.
6. When done, log into the new install
7. Keep the Low Sierra backup around for a while (at least a month).

Again:
Why, why why do you make things so hard?

One more thing:
If you don't want your drive converted from HFS+ to APFS during the High Sierra install, there is a terminal command that will do this for you.

sung to the tune 0f Tom Jones - "Delilah"

 

[Ambrosia7177]

OP --
Why, why why do you make things so hard?

If you are currently running Low Sierra, and want to try High Sierra, do this:
1. Use CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper to clone the Low Sierra install to an EXTERNAL drive.
2. Use the proper version of DiskMaker X (link below) to create the bootable flashdrive
https://diskmakerx.com/diskmaker-x-for-macos-10-13-high-sierra-is-ready/
3. Boot from the USB flash drive
4. Install High Sierra (I'd just install it "right over" the Low Sierra install)
5. It will involve time and a few reboots, BE PATIENT.
6. When done, log into the new install
7. Keep the Low Sierra backup around for a while (at least a month).

Again:
Why, why why do you make things so hard?

One more thing:
If you don't want your drive converted from HFS+ to APFS during the High Sierra install, there is a terminal command that will do this for you.

@Fishrrman,

Why don't you read the thread and what has been said?

You make it sound like your "7-step plan" above is something new to this thread?! Hint: It's not.

The only thing you mention that deviates from what I have already said is Step 7, because I said the purpose of all of this is NOT to upgrade, but instead to create bootable USB installer and verify that it works, so IF I need to use it in the future I will be set. (Maybe Apple will yank High Sierra from their site some day and I won't be able to upgrade to it? So why not get the whole 5GB downlaod now, and store at least one copy somewhere remotely, PLUS create a bootable USB installer so I am all set if and when I need to use them?)

Also, to @DeltaMac's points, upgrading to High Sierra will likely upgrade my firmware, and that is important to know, because you CANNOT easily roll back to an older firmware version. (Sounds like the upgrade isn't a big deal, but I think it is definitely noteworthy!)

I swear you'd have nothing to complain about if I wasn't posting on MacRumors...

 

[Fishrrman]

"Also, to @DeltaMac's points, upgrading to High Sierra will likely upgrade my firmware, and that is important to know, because you CANNOT easily roll back to an older firmware version. "

There is nothing to be afraid of.
I run Low Sierra, High Sierra and Mojave on my 2012 Mini.
If the firmware was "upgraded" when I install Mojave onto an external drive, it has made no difference insofar as the "bootability" of earlier OS's is concerned.

I can STILL boot to High Sierra or Low Sierra whenever I wish.
I'm using Low Sierra right now (it's my main OS).

Again... why do you make things so hard on yourself?

 

[MBAir2010]

where can i gets a full unabridged copy of High Mojave?

 

[DeltaMac]

where can i gets a full unabridged copy of High Mojave?

I am not sure what you mean by "High Mojave"?
Maybe you mean High Sierra?

Mojave is easy to get through your App Store.
High Sierra also is easy to get from Apple
You can get either one (right now) by using the python script -- mentioned earlier on this thread.
The macOS download comes straight from Apple, and is certainly "unabridged".

 

[MBAir2010]

I am not sure what you mean by "High Mojave"?
Maybe you mean High Sierra?

Mojave is easy to get through your App Store.
High Sierra also is easy to get from Apple
You can get either one (right now) by using the python script -- mentioned earlier on this thread.
The macOS download comes straight from Apple, and is certainly "unabridged".

Oh “deltamac whats that flower you ‘ave on” you've got a kind and pure soul!
I was trying to bring some comic relief to this obnoxious thread.
And
Keep up your inputs, every post you make is genuine and true!

 

[mavots]

Once again, another amusing thread from Texas Toast.

Your problem is not unique, and others have had it as well.

Sorry if this URL was already posted, but the solution to your problem can be found here:
http://osxdaily.com/2017/09/27/download-complete-macos-high-sierra-installer/

Now, one gets tired of hearing your repeated hand-wringing about "security" and non-Apple software.
You have been shown "the pathway you need to walk" to overcome your problem.
We can't make you follow it -- it's your choice.

But... you can either continue to flop around like a fish out of water, or take the steps necessary to get a working copy of High Sierra.

Choice is yours!

I tried the osxdaily solution today. Unfortunately, the downloaded HS Installer is an older one, 10.13.2, not 10.13.6. I need the latest full installer in order to update the boot rom on my Mac pro before installing Mojave. I'm trying the previous solution of downloading the stub file, start install, download and copy contents to the stub, etc. Hopefully that will work. Not elegant, but pretty starightforward.

 

[DeltaMac]

I tried the osxdaily solution today. Unfortunately, the downloaded HS Installer is an older one, 10.13.2, not 10.13.6. I need the latest full installer in order to update the boot rom on my Mac pro before installing Mojave. I'm trying the previous solution of downloading the stub file, start install, download and copy contents to the stub, etc. Hopefully that will work. Not elegant, but pretty starightforward.

I think you may be mis-interpreting the HS installer app version.
I submit that the HS installer that you downloaded is actually "13.6.02". That is NOT the macOS version, just the installer app version. That will actually install the most current macOS 10.13.6.
Use that 13.6.02 version installer to make the USB bootable installer. Booting to that, then installing macOS WILL update your firmware to whatever version is provided in the installer files, and would be the most current for High Sierra.

 

[mavots]

I think you may be mis-interpreting the HS installer app version.
I submit that the HS installer that you downloaded is actually "13.6.02". That is NOT the macOS version, just the installer app version. That will actually install the most current macOS 10.13.6.
Use that 13.6.02 version installer to make the USB bootable installer. Booting to that, then installing macOS WILL update your firmware to whatever version is provided in the installer files, and would be the most current for High Sierra.

Yes, you are right!
It took me all weekend to figure that out. What I wanted to do was create a bootable installer and needed the entire file and its contents. When I downloaded the whole installer, I opened the InstallInfo.plist file and in TextEdit it says at the bottom "10.13.6" so I knew I was golden.
That 13.6.02 really threw me off. Anyways, I did it and created the bootable installer and all is good!
All this so that I could update the Bootrom so that I could use NVME blades in my Mac Pro 5,1!