macOS 10.12 Sierra Unsupported Macs Thread

[BuffyzDead]

I just finished reading all 132 pages of this entry. It took me three days as time allowed.

So first of all i want to Thank everyone who chimed in here, and provided feedback,
but I especially want to Thank dosdude1 and foxlet, for creating the tools to do this.

My goal is to get my officially unsupported, Mac Mini Late 2009 2.53GHz with 8GB of DDR3 memory running El Capitan,
Upgraded to iOS Sierra, using the tools provided here. I currently run 10.12 Beta on my iMac 2012 and love it.
The Mac Mini will not run Beta, just GM Sierra

I realize there is much more to it, but I want to be sure that worst case scenario, I can fall back to running El Capitan.

so a few questions.

1) Is the current wireless module inside my Mac Mini, the primary reason Apple takes the position, that Sierra will Not Install, and is Not supported on this machine?

then
I want to install this BCM43224 Wireless module Before I do the patching to support Sierra.
This one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UL7B59...TF8&colid=184EA9UAJHHUU&coliid=I2ONCASO0O5ZUM

2) Should I expect El Capitan to support it, in my Mac Mini without issue, or without any need for an additional driver update? I want to be sure this will work, in case I have to revert

3) Should I do the patching and installing of Sierra First, before updating the wireless card?

Thank you again for all your work.
I hope to get this machine done this coming weekend.

 

[aquaticflow]

I realize there is much more to it, but I want to be sure that worst case scenario, I can fall back to running El Capitan.

My advice is to have a good, bootable backup of 10.11 before you install 10.12... I use SuperDuper, and I in fact did restore my internal drive back to 10.11 after 3-4 days on Sierra, and it went so perfectly! I will most likely in the future go back to Sierra, but for the time being I felt more comfortable going back to what was...

The only gotchas to what I did was 1. Since sierra updated my recovery partition to 10.12, I had to fix that post 10.11 restore (by using a handy applescript + the el capitan installer) that someone put together.. and 2. I had to bring back all files that I had created/changed from the time I was on 10.12, and then restoring back to 10.11... And for that, I just copied said files over to the 10.11 backup in the correct locations, and did a restore using SuperDuper back to my internal drive (while booted from that backup.)

 

[dosdude1]

I just finished reading all 132 pages of this entry. It took me three days as time allowed.

So first of all i want to Thank everyone who chimed in here, and provided feedback,
but I especially want to Thank dosdude1 and foxlet, for creating the tools to do this.

My goal is to get my officially unsupported, Mac Mini Late 2009 2.53GHz with 8GB of DDR3 memory running El Capitan,
Upgraded to iOS Sierra, using the tools provided here. I currently run 10.12 Beta on my iMac 2012 and love it.
The Mac Mini will not run Beta, just GM Sierra

I realize there is much more to it, but I want to be sure that worst case scenario, I can fall back to running El Capitan.

so a few questions.

1) Is the current wireless module inside my Mac Mini, the primary reason Apple takes the position, that Sierra will Not Install, and is Not supported on this machine?

then
I want to install this BCM43224 Wireless module Before I do the patching to support Sierra.
This one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UL7B59...TF8&colid=184EA9UAJHHUU&coliid=I2ONCASO0O5ZUM

2) Should I expect El Capitan to support it, in my Mac Mini without issue, or without any need for an additional driver update? I want to be sure this will work, in case I have to revert

3) Should I do the patching and installing of Sierra First, before updating the wireless card?

Thank you again for all your work.
I hope to get this machine done this coming weekend.

1) Nobody really knows the real reason these older machines were dropped, more than likely simply because they were 7 years old.

2) Any version of OS X 10.6 and newer will work fine with that card, no modifications necessary.

3) The order doesn't matter, just do first whatever you feel like.

 

[Romanesq]

Knew someone would show up and save the day. Me and my early 2008 Macbook Pro Penryn would like to say thank you and thank you: dosdude1 and foxlet!
Two days later, the system IMHO runs crisper, commands are faster and Safari is noticeably improved too.
Not having every bell and whistle is ok, especially with the other benefits. Runs very well.

 

[parrotgeek1]

@dosdude1 when will you put the AppleUSBTrackpad & autobrightness fix kexts in?
[doublepost=1475715133][/doublepost]also @redheeler: you can delete the screenshot attached to the first post [under attached files] as well as the link to the super old patch script

 

[dosdude1]

@dosdude1 when will you put the AppleUSBTrackpad & autobrightness fix kexts in?
[doublepost=1475715133][/doublepost]also @redheeler: you can delete the screenshot attached to the first post [under attached files] as well as the link to the super old patch script

Where are those located? I must have completely missed that somehow..

 

[foxlet]

Hi guys,

I just installed a new hard drive on my MacBook Pro 5,5 and thought this was a good moment to install the GM version of macOS Sierra. I had installed the Public Beta versions on this MacBook Pro before, using dosdude's patcher (and update patcher) but now with the GM version (I had downloaded the GM on my iMac that is supported and am working with that very installation file, so I am just going to continue calling it the GM version) and the completely empty drive, I run into the same problem as mrdunderhead describes.

I also tried installing it from the iMac with the MacBook Pro connected in target disk mode but for some reason the iMac started re-downloading macOS. I haven't let it finish the download yet since I can't use the clean, downloaded installer.

Any ideas?

UPDATE:

In my desperation to get the MacBook Pro working again, I tried to install OS X El Capitan to then restore from my backup. I get the same error message as when I try to install a patched macOS Sierra: "No packages were eligible for install."

So this error has nothing to do with the Sierra Patcher or macOS Sierra.

As stated in previous posts, please include a copy of the macOS Installer logs (Apple Menu -> Window -> Installer Log) after you receive the error, the default messages shown in the UI are simply too vague to really be helpful.

 

[redheeler]

View attachment 663077

Last piece of my Mac mini 3,1 Siërra puzzel

Nice, the one I put in the late 2008 MacBook Air (same card as found in the 2009 Mac mini) works great in Sierra. Antenna connectors are subtly different though, so it takes a bit of effort to make good contact.

2) Should I expect El Capitan to support it, in my Mac Mini without issue, or without any need for an additional driver update? I want to be sure this will work, in case I have to revert

It's already an older card that works back to Snow Leopard, and tested back to Snow Leopard on my 2008 MacBook Air. El Capitan supports it just fine.

also @redheeler: you can delete the screenshot attached to the first post [under attached files] as well as the link to the super old patch script

Done.

 

[bbbggg]

Still catching up again...

So is there a way to upgrade (unsupported machine) from beta versions of Sierra to the release version, without having to erase a drive or have a spare drive? Can I upgrade in place?

If so, how? I tried @dosdude Sierra Patcher but it keeps prompting me to erase my target drive which already has the beta installed. I downloaded the Sierra installer, which verified, but I don't know what to do after that because it's not clear if there's a way to upgrade from beta to release without erasing everything.

Thanks!

 

[dosdude1]

Still catching up again...

So is there a way to upgrade (unsupported machine) from beta versions of Sierra to the release version, without having to erase a drive or have a spare drive? Can I upgrade in place?

If so, how? I tried @dosdude Sierra Patcher but it keeps prompting me to erase my target drive which already has the beta installed. I downloaded the Sierra installer, which verified, but I don't know what to do after that because it's not clear if there's a way to upgrade from beta to release without erasing everything.

Thanks!

All you need to do is follow the guide, but just don't erase your disk in Disk Utility. Just select the drive containing your current OS X install, and install as normal. You need to use my patch tool to create a bootable installer USB drive, and boot off that to do the install, just as the guide explains.

 

[parrotgeek1]

Where are those located? I must have completely missed that somehow..

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ed-macs-thread.1977128/page-120#post-23591124
/System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBTopCase.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSBTrackpad.kext add from 10.11

also did you delete the gpu thing except for mac pro? because i never fixed it for nforce chipsets [it would work on hd 4xxx imacs though, NOT 9400m or gt 120, but yes on Mac Pro (Early 2009) if flashed to 2010]

 

[fischersd]

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ed-macs-thread.1977128/page-120#post-23591124
/System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBTopCase.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSBTrackpad.kext add from 10.11

also did you delete the gpu thing except for mac pro? because i never fixed it for nforce chipsets [it would work on hd 4xxx imacs though, NOT 9400m or gt 120, but yes on Mac Pro (Early 2009) if flashed to 2010]

You mean the ambientlightsensor plugin? He was already doing that.

As far as the AppleUSBTrackpad.kext - that's been tried - didn't seem to fix anything on the earlier MacBooks (at least it doesn't on the 5,2). It's still not seen as a trackpad.

 

[dosdude1]

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ed-macs-thread.1977128/page-120#post-23591124
/System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBTopCase.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSBTrackpad.kext add from 10.11

also did you delete the gpu thing except for mac pro? because i never fixed it for nforce chipsets [it would work on hd 4xxx imacs though, NOT 9400m or gt 120, but yes on Mac Pro (Early 2009) if flashed to 2010]

Yeah, I tried that, it doesn't make a difference, at least from what I can remember. I'll have to do some more testing once I'm able to retrieve my MacBook 5,2. And yes, I've long since removed the HDMI Audio fix, and the Ambient Light Sensor patch has been added quite some time ago.

 

[pkouame]

Yeah, I tried that, it doesn't make a difference, at least from what I can remember. I'll have to do some more testing once I'm able to retrieve my MacBook 5,2. And yes, I've long since removed the HDMI Audio fix, and the Ambient Light Sensor patch has been added quite some time ago.

Somehow the ambient patch wasn't applied on my 5,3. My ambient sensor is still dysfunctional. Did one of your recent patches fix that? I've been getting regular 10.12.1 seeds using AUS.

 

[fischersd]

Somehow the ambient patch wasn't applied on my 5,3. My ambient sensor is still dysfunctional. Did one of your recent patches fix that? I've been getting regular 10.12.1 seeds using AUS.

(jumping the gun in case he isn't around) - if you explore the patcher app, in one of the resources folders, you'll find the AmbientLightSensorHID.plugin (maybe use search?)
Just use the kext utility to apply it to your system and reboot, and you're good.

I know he was working on that...don't know if it finally got fixed (been awhile since I've reloaded one of my systems).

 

[pkouame]

(jumping the gun in case he isn't around) - if you explore the patcher app, in one of the resources folders, you'll find the AmbientLightSensorHID.plugin (maybe use search?)
Just use the kext utility to apply it to your system and reboot, and you're good.

I know he was working on that...don't know if it finally got fixed (been awhile since I've reloaded one of my systems).

Thanks! Will check the latest patcher. Mine must go back a few versions by now.

 

[dosdude1]

Somehow the ambient patch wasn't applied on my 5,3. My ambient sensor is still dysfunctional. Did one of your recent patches fix that? I've been getting regular 10.12.1 seeds using AUS.

There was a typo in the script run when doing the Ambient Light Sensor patch in the post-install tool, I have long since fixed that in version 4.1.4.

 

[Alex Crane]

Sorry. Please, delete this post.

 

[ampman]

@dosdude1

THX for your work.
i have install Sierra over El Capitan.I have a Imac 8.1 and now i don`t have a recovery partition to reboot for deactivating SIP.Now when i start my imac and press the " Option " Key ,
he shows me no more hard drive.No HD with Sierra and no Recovery.All still in withe.After release the Option Key he start Sierra.
Is there a way to made a Recovery Partition on the same HD(from a Imagebackup of a Recovery Partition from another Mac ),and wy i can`t see the drives on Startup wihle holding the Option key?

THX


( solved....it was my Keyboard...option key not work )

 

[TUISTERa]

Hello, i tricked myself in sierra and now i need your help. I have a supported a1342 with installed sierra that i converted to unsupported macbookpro 5,5 . The story: I ordered more ram (2x4gb transcend) but my mac doesn accept it and i have read that if i flash firmware from 5,5 it will recognise the ram. The bad part - it doesn't. The worst part - usb , trackpad and keyboard are not working now. They are not working in recovery too, so i can not install oldest macos, there is no firmware for my a1342 , and i am stuck with the firmware from 5,5. Now i need your help to enable usb, keyboard and trackpad in already working unsupported sierra. I have access via teamviewer! I think that i need to install some drivers (win user) for usb , trackpad and keyboard to work
Thank you

 

[Bennoach]

I am so appreciative of this work. I have a working 2009 Mac Mini.

FYI I replaced the wifi card. I used double stick foam tape and mounted it. As luck would have it the Bluetooth antenna connecter came off the old board with the cable. Trying to get it out left me with a bad cable. I see I can order a set from $24-$100. I'm going to live without it. I am correct the 2 smaller are WIFI and the bigger one with the 2 clips is Bluetooth? I use wired Ethernet anyway. The WIFI works, much slower of course. Even the Bluetooth discovered some devices.

Many Thanks
--john

 

[fischersd]

I am so appreciative of this work. I have a working 2009 Mac Mini.

FYI I replaced the wifi card. I used double stick foam tape and mounted it. As luck would have it the Bluetooth antenna connecter came off the old board with the cable. Trying to get it out left me with a bad cable. I see I can order a set from $24-$100. I'm going to live without it. I am correct the 2 smaller are WIFI and the bigger one with the 2 clips is Bluetooth? I use wired Ethernet anyway. The WIFI works, much slower of course. Even the Bluetooth discovered some devices.

Many Thanks
--john

In the 2009 mac mini, the two small ones are the bluetooth, the one big one is the wifi (that's what ifixit says in their teardown anyways)

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Model+A1283+Antennas+Replacement/1057

So, without that one, you won't have any wifi at all.

 

[Bennoach]

In the 2009 mac mini, the two small ones are the bluetooth, the one big one is the wifi (that's what ifixit says in their teardown anyways)

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Model+A1283+Antennas+Replacement/1057

So, without that one, you won't have any wifi at all.

Figures, I did get 18mg down and 8m up on wifi.
I think the proximity to the AP 's 5/8 wave antenna did that.
We'll I guess I'll shop for a replacement. Nuts!

 

[ac2334]

Hi Dosdude,

I found a site that has a method for making use of the Apple Hardware Diagnostics test that otherwise requires an optical drive and the original installation DVD. It is here: https://github.com/upekkha/AppleHardwareTest

I think that this would be a great addition to your patcher (although there are files for various models)..but if you could let us know a method to add this option to your custom USB that would be great!
[doublepost=1475854846][/doublepost]

There was a typo in the script run when doing the Ambient Light Sensor patch in the post-install tool, I have long since fixed that in version 4.1.4.

But again, the MBP Mid-2009 5,2 model definitely doesn't need this? Because my ALS seems to not be functioning, but how to test it? I tried turning off every light in my room and then the screen should dim a little, correct?

Thanks

 

[Swashbuckle Dom]

Recently installed Sierra on my 2009 Mac Pro following the instructions here and all has been great. That is until today. I restarted my computer (Not the first time since Sierra) today and as it got to about halfway through starting up my computer just shuts down. Tried resetting PRAM, booting to safe mode, unplugging the computer for 10 minutes and no difference. Shuts down halfway through startup.

I did a clean install of Sierra on my internal OWC Mercury Accelsior E2 SSD. Manually brought over my documents and files from a back up disk and reinstalled only a few applications since so its a fairly fresh install.

The drive/OS appears when holding down option to pick start up disk during startup. But still shuts down halfway while booting. In addition, I can reboot my computer into a recovery drive when holding down the option key as well.

Ive tried repairing the drive in recovery and all seems fine there too.

Edit/Update: Scratch that. I just booted into the original Sierra flash drive, opened disk utility, and attempted to run First Aid on the Sierra partition. I get the following:

Invalid key length
The volume Macintoish HD could not be verified completely.
File system check exit code is 8
Updating boot support partitions for the volume is required.
File system verify or repair failed

Everything is backed up but I'd rather not go through the trouble of a reinstall without any guarantee that its just not gonna happen again in a few weeks.

Any help or suggestions would be welcome.

-Dom