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iMac “Can’t download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X” (mid 2011)
- Thread starter SZZB
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And you erased the disk and selected format HFS+ Journaled? Did you "learn more" by pressing the "More Info" button?
OP:
Re the alert in reply 27 above.
My advice is to just ignore it and continue.
The goal at this point is to get SOMETHING onto the internal drive that will boot the computer.
Once you get that far, then it becomes possible to address other issues.
But again... a Mac that boots, any version of the Mac OS, is preferable to one that will not boot at all.
Re the alert in reply 27 above.
My advice is to just ignore it and continue.
The goal at this point is to get SOMETHING onto the internal drive that will boot the computer.
Once you get that far, then it becomes possible to address other issues.
But again... a Mac that boots, any version of the Mac OS, is preferable to one that will not boot at all.
Trying to do as fishrrman though, I’ve tried High Sierra, El Captain, Mountain Lion, and Lion… not getting anywhere.
I’m guessing the issue is I’m not creating the bootable usb correctly. Any chance me using a 32gb/64gb 3.0 usb is the issue? Tempted to buy one online.
I’m guessing the issue is I’m not creating the bootable usb correctly. Any chance me using a 32gb/64gb 3.0 usb is the issue? Tempted to buy one online.
Last edited:
Make sure you download the installers from here -
Lion
support.apple.com
Mountain Lion
support.apple.com
These versions don't blow up because of expired certs.
Lion
Mac OS X Lion Installer - Apple Support
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion is available for older systems that are not compatible with the latest version of macOS
Mountain Lion
Mac OS X Mountain Lion Installer - Apple Support
Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion is available for older systems that are not compatible with the latest version of macOS.
These versions don't blow up because of expired certs.
Just tried downloading Lion using the link, same original error.
I’ve tried two separate USBs one formatted using windows and the other formatted by the Mac. Both do the same thing except when holding cmd on launch the Mac formatted USB asks me to select it as a boot drive thingy
What happens that makes you want to hold Cmd on launch? I don't see any reason that you would do that...
Oh, OK, you still have a Windows keyboard, which has the Windows key in the position used by the Alt key on a Mac. The Mac accepts the Windows key, which is what you would use. It's actually (for Mac use) the Alt key, and you actually press the Windows key. And, you then see the boot-picker screen. Now I understand... (try not to call it a CMD key, it's more accurate to call it Alt)
If you see the USB installer, then (at least for booting on a Mac) it is correctly made. If you don't get to that screen with a USB made using Windows, then that USB is not correctly formatted.
I would suggest that you try with the newest macOS version that you could use on a 2011 iMac, which would be High Sierra. In the end, High Sierra would give you a system install with a lot less possibility of frustration. For example, Safari, Apple's native web browser has real problems on the internet, as network protocols have changed significantly over the years, and Lion's old software is challenging to make useful --- and you will likely end up quickly upgrading to a newer version of the system, even if you get Lion working. And, in my opinion, High Sierra is much simpler to get the bootable installer made correctly, and gives you a better chance of having the rest of your system more usable. (Just my 2 cents on this issue)
Oh, OK, you still have a Windows keyboard, which has the Windows key in the position used by the Alt key on a Mac. The Mac accepts the Windows key, which is what you would use. It's actually (for Mac use) the Alt key, and you actually press the Windows key. And, you then see the boot-picker screen. Now I understand... (try not to call it a CMD key, it's more accurate to call it Alt)
If you see the USB installer, then (at least for booting on a Mac) it is correctly made. If you don't get to that screen with a USB made using Windows, then that USB is not correctly formatted.
I would suggest that you try with the newest macOS version that you could use on a 2011 iMac, which would be High Sierra. In the end, High Sierra would give you a system install with a lot less possibility of frustration. For example, Safari, Apple's native web browser has real problems on the internet, as network protocols have changed significantly over the years, and Lion's old software is challenging to make useful --- and you will likely end up quickly upgrading to a newer version of the system, even if you get Lion working. And, in my opinion, High Sierra is much simpler to get the bootable installer made correctly, and gives you a better chance of having the rest of your system more usable. (Just my 2 cents on this issue)
Ram that is not quite compatible, or just not the correct specs for your Mac can certainly cause a variety of problems.
If you suspect problems with RAM, then remove the new RAM, and go back to only the original RAM, just as a test.
I suggest that you try going with a newer system, such as High Sierra, which will be much more usable on your 2011 iMac, particularly with the extra memory that you have now.
You should erase the internal SSD when you are booted to whatever installer that you choose to use, using Disk Utility.
Leave it set to erase the drive, using Mac OS Extended (journaled) as the format. And, you can name the volume, too, to something of your choice. I usually follow that with First Aid, just as a final check on the drive. And, then i shutdown the Mac, so power is off.
Boot up again to the installer. The drive is ready to go with the install (because you just did that), and maybe that will get you past the error windows this time.
If you suspect problems with RAM, then remove the new RAM, and go back to only the original RAM, just as a test.
I suggest that you try going with a newer system, such as High Sierra, which will be much more usable on your 2011 iMac, particularly with the extra memory that you have now.
You should erase the internal SSD when you are booted to whatever installer that you choose to use, using Disk Utility.
Leave it set to erase the drive, using Mac OS Extended (journaled) as the format. And, you can name the volume, too, to something of your choice. I usually follow that with First Aid, just as a final check on the drive. And, then i shutdown the Mac, so power is off.
Boot up again to the installer. The drive is ready to go with the install (because you just did that), and maybe that will get you past the error windows this time.