Resolved Install OSX on machine with no OS

[Eneco]

Hello,

I have a Mac Pro 5,1 with empty hard drives, so no OSX is installed. How do I install an OS on a machine like this?

I was thinking about installing OSX 10.14.6 on a SATA SSD using another Mac with an external SATA adapter and put the drive into the Mac Pro afterwards. But I only have Apple Silicon Macs (see signature) and as far as I know it is not possible to execute an installer of an OS older than the one the Mac came with. Furthermore the Mac Pro has a RX 580 installed so I don't see the boot screen to select the SSD as a startup disk.

Are there any other options or is this machine bricked?

 

[Macschrauber]

You can make a thumb drive with a createinstallmedia installer of Mojave.
I dont know if that works with a Silicon machine but you can try.

If the thumb drive is the only disk with a bootloader on, the Mac boots it.

Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

You can use a USB flash drive or other secondary volume as a startup disk from which to install the Mac operating system. These steps are primarily for system administrators and other experienced users who are familiar with entering commands in Terminal.

support.apple.com

If that doesnt work you will need a compatible Mac from that era.

Some sell those installer drives, its your decision if you trust them.

 

[davidlv]

Hello,

I have a Mac Pro 5,1 with empty hard drives, so no OSX is installed. How do I install an OS on a machine like this?

I was thinking about installing OSX 10.14.6 on a SATA SSD using another Mac with an external SATA adapter and put the drive into the Mac Pro afterwards. But I only have Apple Silicon Macs (see signature) and as far as I know it is not possible to execute an installer of an OS older than the one the Mac came with. Furthermore the Mac Pro has a RX 580 installed so I don't see the boot screen to select the SSD as a startup disk.

Are there any other options or is this machine bricked?

Download OCLP 0.6.8 from the URL below. Run it on your Mac Studio (need the USB port) and after the app starts, use the Target Setting to specify the target machine (Mac Pro 5.1). Return to the main interface and chose the Create macOS Installer option. You will need a USB initialized to Untitled and GUID HFs+. You can either use an existing Apple installer in your Applications folder or choose the Download option. I know OCLP will work with Big Sur, Monterey, or Ventura. BTW, I have created a. bootable USB installer destined for use on an Intel based MBP 8,2 late 2011, for High Sierra on my M2 MBA with an Anker USB adapter, so I know you can do that for older OSs using the createinstallmedia script; HS shown below:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled
How to work around the non-Mac RX580 GPU no being recognized at boot is another thing. Someone with experience with that should chip in regarding that issue!

Releases · dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher

Experience macOS just like before. Contribute to dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

 

[haralds]

Install Mojave first from a USB and keep the volume.

• It makes sure the latest firmware is installed.
• It makes it easy to check, whether all is running well.
• It gives you a baseline to repair other installs you can add to a second APFS volume or disk like DosDude1 Cataline or OCLP Monterey or Sonoma.

 

[startergo]

Maybe target disk mode?

Using Target Disk Mode to install an oper… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

 

[eicca]

If you need a GT120 card to get a boot screen and install something like High Sierra or earlier, I've got two just kicking around. PM me if that might help.

 

[Eneco]

You can make a thumb drive with a createinstallmedia installer of Mojave.
I dont know if that works with a Silicon machine but you can try.

Unfortunately it doesn't work. Apparently you need a Mac that is compatible with the OS you are trying to create an installer for.

Download OCLP 0.6.8 from the URL below. Run it on your Mac Studio (need the USB port) and after the app starts, use the Target Setting to specify the target machine (Mac Pro 5.1). Return to the main interface and chose the Create macOS Installer option. You will need a USB initialized to Untitled and GUID HFs+. You can either use an existing Apple installer in your Applications folder or choose the Download option. I know OCLP will work with Big Sur, Monterey, or Ventura. BTW, I have created a. bootable USB installer destined for use on an Intel based MBP 8,2 late 2011, for High Sierra on my M2 MBA with an Anker USB adapter, so I know you can do that for older OSs using the createinstallmedia script; HS shown below:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled
How to work around the non-Mac RX580 GPU no being recognized at boot is another thing. Someone with experience with that should chip in regarding that issue!

Releases · dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher

Experience macOS just like before. Contribute to dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

I managed to download a Mojave installer, but OCLP aborts creating an installer, resulting in this error:

How did you manage to create an installer for High Sierra running the createinstaller command on an Apple Silicon Mac? That's exactly the command Apples highlights (see post #2) and it will only work with a machine supporting the OS.

 

[davidlv]

Unfortunately it doesn't work. Apparently you need a Mac that is compatible with the OS you are trying to create an installer for.

View attachment 2248603



I managed to download a Mojave installer, but OCLP aborts creating an installer, resulting in this error:

View attachment 2248602

How did you manage to create an installer for High Sierra running the createinstaller command on an Apple Silicon Mac? That's exactly the command Apples highlights (see post #2) and it will only work with a machine supporting the OS.

I used this (code shown below) to make a USB installer for High Sierra and Mojave using my M2 MBA. Both worked and I tested the High Sierra USB on an older MBP. Boots fine on the MBP.
OCLP is designed to work with Big Sur or later, not Mojave.
Code:

For macOS High Sierra. 8GB USB is sufficient

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

For macOS Mojave, use a 16GB USB

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --nointeraction

 

[Eneco]

I used this (code shown below) to make a USB installer for High Sierra and Mojave using my M2 MBA. Both worked and I tested the High Sierra USB on an older MBP. Boots fine on the MBP.
OCLP is designed to work with Big Sur or later, not Mojave.
Code:

For macOS High Sierra. 8GB USB is sufficient

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

For macOS Mojave, use a 16GB USB

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --nointeraction

That's strange. When I use the exact same code, I get an error: "zsh: killed"

Where did you get your Mojave installer from? Maybe mine is broken somehow. I used the macOS Mojave Patcher Tool from dosdude1.

 

[davidlv]

That's strange. When I use the exact same code, I get an error: "zsh: killed"

View attachment 2248664
Where did you get your Mojave installer from? Maybe mine is broken somehow. I used the macOS Mojave Patcher Tool from dosdude1.

I used iTerm2 (a Terminal like app) to run the code. Come to think of it, I have seen that "zsh: killed" error message but can't remember where or why. I connect the target USB via an Anker adapter connected to the MBA via USB-C.
Can you search for some info on that error message?
I downloaded both HS and Mojave installers using MDS.

MDS

twocanoes.com

 

[Macschrauber]

at least this shows createinstallmedia runs on a Silicon Mac.

I dont own one, but is there the need of an action to load the intel emulation code?

like the days one has to execute a ppc code (long ago) to load Rosetta?

 

[Eneco]

I used iTerm2 (a Terminal like app) to run the code. Come to think of it, I have seen that "zsh: killed" error message but can't remember where or why. I connect the target USB via an Anker adapter connected to the MBA via USB-C.
Can you search for some info on that error message?
I downloaded both HS and Mojave installers using MDS.

MDS

twocanoes.com

According to the OpenCore install guide it is because I'm on a Mac, that does not support Mojave.

Note for users on Apple Silicon installing macOS older than Big Sur: If the createinstallmedia fails with zsh: killed or Killed: 9 then it's most likely an issue with the installer's code signature.

Since MDS is a payed application I will hold off until I know it will really solve my problem.

 

[davidlv]

at least this shows createinstallmedia runs on a Silicon Mac.

I don't own one, but is there the need of an action to load the intel emulation code?

like the days one has to execute a ppc code (long ago) to load Rosetta?

Not that I know of, but Rosetta is installed.

 

[davidlv]

According to the OpenCore install guide it is because I'm on a Mac, that does not support Mojave.

Note for users on Apple Silicon installing macOS older than Big Sur: If the createinstallmedia fails with zsh: killed or Killed: 9 then it's most likely an issue with the installer's code signature.

Since MDS is a payed application I will hold off until I know it will really solve my problem.

MDS can be used for a trial period, and you can use it to download the Mojave installer.
Then if you don't need the app, just delete it.

 

[Eneco]

MDS can be used for a trial period, and you can use it to download the Mojave installer.
Then if you don't need the app, just delete it.

Alright, I downloaded OSX using the trial version of MDS. The terminal command still won't work: "zsh: killed". So it was not a broken installer or anything. MDS also offers an option to create a bootable installer, but that fails as well.

So I don't know what it is that you do, but there must be something else involved, cause the whole internet says, it is not possible to create an bootable installer drive for an unsupported OS on an Apple Silicon machine (as far as my research goes).

 

[Macschrauber]

is there really nobody near with a compatible machine?

At least a High Sierra installer would help.

 

[doobydoooby]

Have you looked at dosdude's installers? They are fabulous for an old Mac Pro, I have been using them for years on my 3,1 and highly recommend them. The process will build you a full installer on a USB drive that you can then slot into your 5,1 for a painless installation. Just make sure you have the correct hardware (the correct broadcomm wifi/bluetooth card is critical) for the OS you choose. He's not updating this any more and I can't speak to your Apple silicon subtlety in creating the installer, but it's certainly worth a go to install the final version of your favourite historical OS

dosdude1's Personal Web Server - Software

 

[davidlv]

Alright, I downloaded OSX using the trial version of MDS. The terminal command still won't work: "zsh: killed". So it was not a broken installer or anything. MDS also offers an option to create a bootable installer, but that fails as well.

So I don't know what it is that you do, but there must be something else involved, cause the whole internet says, it is not possible to create an bootable installer drive for an unsupported OS on an Apple Silicon machine (as far as my research goes).

I have made one High Sierra USB install disk using the command shown previously, it boots a MBP fine, installs HS fine too. Where are you located? I am in Japan, so if you ever get over here, drop me a line and I will pass a HS USB over to you.
How about using OCLP to make a Big Sur USB installer. Can be done all in the app, just need a 16GB USB formated as GUID HFS+ and named Untitled.

Releases · dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher

Experience macOS just like before. Contribute to dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Experience macOS just like before

dortania.github.io

 

[startergo]

I just created Mojave installer on my M1 MacMini:
1. Install Python 2.7
2. Download installinstallmacos.py:

git clone https://github.com/munki/macadmin-scripts.git
cd macadmin-scripts
sudo python ./installinstallmacos.py

3. Select 17:

 #      ProductID    Version    Build   Post Date  Title
 1      002-75541       13.3   22E252  2023-03-27  macOS Ventura
 2      032-84910       13.4    22F66  2023-05-18  macOS Ventura
 3      061-86291    10.15.3  19D2064  2020-03-23  macOS Catalina
 4      002-77154     11.6.5   20G527  2022-04-11  macOS Big Sur
 5      032-63762     11.7.5  20G1225  2023-03-27  macOS Big Sur
 6      001-51042    10.15.7     19H2  2020-09-24  macOS Catalina
 7      032-63749     12.6.4   21G526  2023-03-27  macOS Monterey
 8      032-96684     11.7.8  20G1351  2023-06-28  macOS Big Sur
 9      032-71575     12.6.5   21G531  2023-04-17  macOS Monterey
10      061-26578    10.14.5  18F2059  2019-10-14  macOS Mojave
11      032-71551     11.7.6  20G1231  2023-04-17  macOS Big Sur
12      012-08272     11.6.6   20G624  2022-05-24  macOS Big Sur
13      042-25643     13.5.1    22G90  2023-08-17  macOS Ventura
14      002-23589     11.6.1   20G224  2021-12-01  macOS Big Sur
15      001-04366    10.15.4  19E2269  2020-05-04  macOS Catalina
16      041-91758    10.13.6    17G66  2019-10-19  macOS High Sierra
17      061-26589    10.14.6   18G103  2019-10-14  macOS Mojave
18      032-82176     11.7.7  20G1345  2023-05-18  macOS Big Sur
19      042-14707     11.7.9  20G1426  2023-07-24  macOS Big Sur
20      032-97690     12.6.7   21G651  2023-06-28  macOS Monterey
21      041-90855    10.13.5   17F66a  2019-10-23  Install macOS High Sierra Beta
22      071-78704     11.5.2    20G95  2021-08-18  macOS Big Sur
23      001-15219    10.15.5  19F2200  2020-06-15  macOS Catalina
24      002-57023     11.6.3   20G415  2022-01-26  macOS Big Sur
25      001-57224    10.15.7     19H4  2020-10-27  macOS Catalina
26      032-69593       13.5    22G74  2023-07-24  macOS Ventura
27      032-82192     12.6.6   21G646  2023-05-18  macOS Monterey
28      001-68446    10.15.7    19H15  2020-11-11  macOS Catalina
29      042-01917     13.4.1    22F82  2023-06-28  macOS Ventura
30      042-15015     12.6.8   21G725  2023-07-24  macOS Monterey
31      002-65695     11.6.4   20G417  2022-02-17  macOS Big Sur
32      041-88800    10.14.4  18E2034  2019-10-23  macOS Mojave
33      002-42341     11.6.2   20G314  2022-01-14  macOS Big Sur
34      001-36735    10.15.6  19G2006  2020-08-06  macOS Catalina
35      001-36801    10.15.6  19G2021  2020-08-12  macOS Catalina

This will create a DMG in the folder.
4. After downloading open the DMG and copy/paste to the Applications folder.
5. Create the USB installer:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Password:
Ready to start.
To continue we need to erase the volume at /Volumes/OS X Base System.
If you wish to continue type (Y) then press return: Y
Erasing disk: 0%... 10%... 20%... 30%... 100%
Copying to disk: 0%... 10%... 20%... 30%... 40%... 50%... 60%... 70%... 80%... 90%... 100%
Making disk bootable...
Copying boot files...

Install media now available at "/Volumes/Install macOS Mojave"

 

[Eneco]

Thanks for all your suggestions and help. I really appreciate it.

In the end I managed to track someone down with an old Mac and was able to create a bootable USB drive and install OSX Mojave on the Mac Pro. So everything is fine now.

Again, thank you very much for all your input.

 

[Wilkesy]

Hoping someone can help me out, I've finally got myself a M1 MBA, wanting to do a fresh install on my 2011 Mac mini, not realising that in wiping the HD clean prior to attempting to install it using Option-Command-R that it would fail...

So the Mac mini is currently dead in the water and I can't for the life of me create a bootable usb drive...

Is there an idiots step/step/guide to do this?

I have grabbed via MDS 'Install macOS High Sierra 10.13.6-17G66' which is sat in my downloads folder and have a 64gb usb drive I can use...

Any help greatly appreciated! 🙏