macOS 11 Big Sur on Unsupported Macs Thread

[Ausdauersportler]

Ok, some google brought me to this:

Working Around Non-Metal Issues | OpenCore Legacy Patcher

So can anyone give me clear steps on how to downgrade from 11.5 to 11.2.3, just asking to make sure I do it right or else I would have to spend extra time doing it again.

I am currently downloading the 11.2.3 installer.

There is no downgrade, there is only a new clean installation using backups to restore user data. Both your 2009 iMac10,1 and the 2010 iMac11,3 can be upgraded using the same reasonable priced AMD GPUs to run all Big Sur and all Monterey releases and with a little bit luck even Ventura, soon.

 

[lkar]

There is no downgrade, there is only a new clean installation using backups to restore user data. Both your 2009 iMac10,1 and the 2010 iMac11,3 can be upgraded using the same reasonable priced AMD GPUs to run all Big Sur and all Monterey releases and with a little bit luck even Ventura, soon.

View attachment 2185502

I tried using booting into recovery and it didnt work, and i tried booting into internet recovery and it didn't work, and I tried booting off my high seirra usb and it didn't work.

I just want to go back to high seirra, OCLP is just way too complicated to use.

How can I get back to having a working mac?

 

[lkar]

I tried command+r, command + option + r, shift + command + option + r

The furthest I got was this screen, and the left 2 options dont work:

I regret trying to extend the life of my old macs, i spent over 2 days working on this crap (i blame both OCLP for making the most unintuitive instructions to drive away potential people who want to install, and apple for not supporting thier old hardware and making it difficult to install an operating due to thier rules about downgrading), that greatly exceeded the value of this mac, lesson learned, I will just buy a new mac whenever they expire. for those reading, dont make the same mistakes like i did, forget about OCLP; it is not free, it is a waste of your valuable time.

 

[TimmuJapan]

I tried command+r, command + option + r, shift + command + option + r

The furthest I got was this screen, and the left 2 options dont work:

View attachment 2185549

I regret trying to extend the life of my old macs, i spent over 2 days working on this crap (i blame both OCLP for making the most unintuitive instructions to drive away potential people who want to install, and apple for not supporting thier old hardware and making it difficult to install an operating due to thier rules about downgrading), that greatly exceeded the value of this mac, lesson learned, I will just buy a new mac whenever they expire. for those reading, dont make the same mistakes like i did, forget about OCLP; it is not free, it is a waste of your valuable time.

Thanks for your opinion, but OCLP is amazing! You are in church right now, dissing the spiritual leader of the entire congregation! LOL… We will still try and help you out, though.

To make OCLP work for you, you probably need to spend more time studying the documentation on the website step by step, and watching a few Mr. Macintosh video tutorials would help you too. It’s kind of a pity that OCLP works great for tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousand—possibly a million people by now, but the loudest comments are always like the ones above.

—> some help —>
Do you have an install usb stick for High sierra? Did you do a fresh install of OCLP on your drive, or did you install big sur on top of your previous installation?
The instructions below will help you get back to high sierra if you have a high sierra usb stick or you can manage to get to high sierra recovery partition.

First, reset the NVRAM. You can do that through the OCLP menu or also by holding down [Command, Option, P, and R] at boot.

Then you need to boot to recovery or boot with the usb stick that you used to install OCLP or boot to your high sierra install usb. You need to get to a recovery environment. Immediately after the first pram / nvram reset, you need the next boot to be command-r OR hold down the option key so you can get to the usb install menu.

Once you enter the recovery environment, your goal is to wipe the drive completely, so you can start fresh and install whatever you would like. After you wipe the drive, I would do another NVRAM / PRAM reset before you install a new OS.

Once you enter the recovery environment, do you know how to wipe the drive and format it to start fresh with a new OS?

If not, someone here can walk you through that. When you wipe the drive, you will lose all the data on your hard disk, so if there is anything there that is important to you, there are other , more complicated methods you can use to try and preserve data before wiping.

 

[lkar]

Hello



I would like to give this a try again, if you all can help me out. I would like to apologize for my earlier outburst, I was just very frustrated, I hope you all can forgive me.


I downloaded the 11.2 installer from here and used OCLP to create a usb drive: https://archive.org/details/install-mac-os-11.2.1-20d75_202102

I am getting this error, when trying to jump from 10.13 > 11.2

Is this normal?



Or do I have install go from 10.13 > 10.15 > 11.2?



I thought you could go from 10.13 to 13 directly, don’t tell me you all have to do it in this order in terms of installs: 10.13 > 10.15 > 11 > 12 > 13, that is A LOT of time, you don’t actually have to do it that way right? Then how come it doesn’t work for me when I try to jump OS versions above?

 

[TimmuJapan]

Hello



I would like to give this a try again, if you all can help me out. I would like to apologize for my earlier outburst, I was just very frustrated, I hope you all can forgive me.


I downloaded the 11.2 installer from here and used OCLP to create a usb drive: https://archive.org/details/install-mac-os-11.2.1-20d75_202102

I am getting this error, when trying to jump from 10.13 > 11.2



View attachment 2186872

Is this normal?



Or do I have install go from 10.13 > 10.15 > 11.2?



I thought you could go from 10.13 to 13 directly, don’t tell me you all have to do it in this order in terms of installs: 10.13 > 10.15 > 11 > 12 > 13, that is A LOT of time, you don’t actually have to do it that way right? Then how come it doesn’t work for me when I try to jump OS versions above?

below may or may not be the solution, but u can consider:
before you install oclp big sur on ur computer, you need to make sure that you have installed the last supported os and ran all of the security updates. That will give you you up-to-date firmware, which is necessary to run big sur OCLP on your machine.

you also need to install from the usb stick. Did you boot to the usb stick‘s install menu by holding the option key at start up?

I hope that this helps.

 

[lkar]

I have a similar 2009 21.5” iMac running fine for my needs (basic functions) with the 11.7.5. Update via Apple’s OTA is fine. There is no need to update via OCLP generated installation USB unless there’s some serious issues with the macOS.
Your 2009 iMac graphics card may be upgradable (MXM). If this is the case, I strongly recommend you to do an upgrade for around $50, which will give you a much better compatible Big Sur by following https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2011-imac-graphics-card-upgrade.1596614/ . If you can upgrade the wifi card as well, you will have a near perfect iMac capable running Monterey (even Ventura with some minor issues).
P.S. my 2009 iMac is not upgradable. The graphics chip is on the main board.

For the above example, I tried to install 11.2 from 10.13 and it didn't work (above post), so after i made the post, i installed 10.15.7 via dosdude1 patcher (it works well, how come OCLP does not work as well as his stuff), and then i tried again with the same USB key to make the jump to 11, and it still give me the "cannot be installed on this drive" error. what next?

if you remember, i did get 11.5 installed, but there was an unfixed video card bug, so i had to reinstall 10.13 to go back. now i can't even get 11.2 to be installed, what is going on with OCLP?

 

[TimmuJapan]

…… I tried to install 11.2 from 10.13 and it didn't work (above post)…..

Hi, sorry, i’m not sure what you mean when you say “11.2 from 10.13.”

it sounds like you are using software update in system settings to install a new OS.
I wouldn’t use software update inside system settings to install a new OS on your unsupported Mac. The recommended method is to use a USB stick, hold down the option key at boot, and do a clean install. In this way to install, you are never going “from one OS to another OS.“ You are always starting fresh—either a blank ssd, a new partition, or a new volume. This is probably the safest way to use OCLP.

Also, you may not be having luck with this, because it sounds like you are trying to install a new macOS on top of an old macOS using OCLP. This is not impossible, but people tend to have the most success with a clean install. You never install one OS from another OS for a clean install.

A clean install means that your SSD is completely blank, or partitioned for a new or OS, or you made a new volume for a new OS. You insert the install USB stick in the computer, hold down the option key at boot, and install your desired OS with OCLP. If the SSD is blank, you may need to format it for macOS before installing the OS in disk utility via the install usb drive’s disk utility.

 

[TimmuJapan]

i tried again with the same USB key to make the jump to 11, and it still give me the "cannot be installed on this drive" error. what next?

If your firmware is up-to-date, you don’t need to progressively install macOS using dosdude1 and then after OCLP via software update in system settings. Doing this might actually cause problems. You want to be doing fresh, clean installs with the USB stick and holding down the option key at boot.

To have up-to-date firmware, you need to install the last “Apple supported“ OS for your device and then run all of the security updates. This will give your device up-to-date firmware, and then you should be able to use your device with any “OCLP supported” OS.

OCLP will work best if it is a clean install on a totally blank SSD, partitioned SSD, or in some cases a new volume formatted for macOS you want to install.

 

[Insidious]

11.7.6 is working great on OCLP 0.6.2 as expected!

 

[lkar]

Hi, sorry, i’m not sure what you mean when you say “11.2 from 10.13.”

it sounds like you are using software update in system settings to install a new OS.
I wouldn’t use software update inside system settings to install a new OS on your unsupported Mac. The recommended method is to use a USB stick, hold down the option key at boot, and do a clean install. In this way to install, you are never going “from one OS to another OS.“ You are always starting fresh—either a blank ssd, a new partition, or a new volume. This is probably the safest way to use OCLP.

Also, you may not be having luck with this, because it sounds like you are trying to install a new macOS on top of an old macOS using OCLP. This is not impossible, but people tend to have the most success with a clean install. You never install one OS from another OS for a clean install.

A clean install means that your SSD is completely blank, or partitioned for a new or OS, or you made a new volume for a new OS. You insert the install USB stick in the computer, hold down the option key at boot, and install your desired OS with OCLP. When the SSD is blank, you may need to format it for macOS before installing the OS in disk utility via the install usb drive’s disk utility.

I want to say, this pisses me off, because the people at OCLP make a good program, but it has TERRIBLE instructions, like literally 9 out of 10 people who try to install OCLP will not complete the OS installation (and I am being generous, it is probably like 19 out of 20 people). I mean there are even instructions for the instructions! http://blog.greggant.com/posts/2023/01/23/opencore-legacy-patcher-quick-instructions.html and they only get about 75% done, I had to figure out some mystery steps at the end and I am lucky that it worked.




WHY IS IT SO BAD? I never gain anything out of this, if I save money on a new Mac, I LOSE time because I have to install an operating system EIGHT or more times to get it to work properly ONCE!



You said you have to install it from a blank SSD, NO WHERE DID IT SAY THAT. Also how would I install the kext files to prep the SSD if I have to install an unsupported OS (that cannot even be installed on the targeted Mac in the first place!).

That is why I had to install the latest base MacOS, update the kext files, prep the USB drive, install and boot the OS from the USB drive (I dont know why OCLP does this), run the OS from the USB drive, and install it to the SSD, and then pray that it works and doesnt boot up with a question mark).

That is how I do it, that is how the instructions are listed in the OCLP page, that is how the instructions for the instructions do it in the 10 step guide I posted. It always takes a lot of LUCK to get OCLP to work, out of the eight total installs / reinstalls, I only got it to work once, and it was buggy as hell with the video, so I had to revert.

One thing I like about the dosdude1 patcher, is that it WORKS and it is somewhat easier. OCLP is garbage when it comes to getting it work in the first place, they do not care if people install it or not, it is like an egghead exercise for them. I wish dosdude1 could take over the OCLP project, then at least the successful install rate will jump like 5 x.



Can you write an extremely clear 100 step guide (I am being serious, split it into 100 steps, leave no step untouched) so you can replace the garbage instructions on the OCLP website, then maybe people can actually use OCLP to successfully install a new macOS, otherwise it is cheaper to sell your Mac and buy a new one.

 

[TimmuJapan]

@lkar ,

I’ve never had an OCLP install fail, I’ve rarely seen posts like yours in the 500 or so pages on this thread, and Monterey and Ventura pages. If you just wanna rant and rave on this message board, you can do that, but you might get yourself banned eventually😂👏🏻, and OCLP will never work for you. Bravo. 👏🏻👏🏻😂 👏🏻👏🏻

However,
if you’re interested in getting OCLP and big sur to work for you, first read the instructions again on the website step by step and carefully. Leave no stone unturned in studying that website if you desire a good result and real knowledge.

OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Experience macOS just like before

dortania.github.io

Moreover, since you are an opencore and OCLP beginner, you can strengthen your understanding of how OCLP works and how to get it to work for you by watching Mr. Macintosh videos on YouTube.

If you follow the steps in the video below (but use the latest versions of big sur and OCLP—this video is 8 months old), unless there is something wrong with your hardware, this WILL work for you. You must watch the entire video, and you must mimic the steps that Mr. Macintosh takes. You must precisely follow his instructions—just like you did with dosdude1’s Catalina video. Then it will work, and it will work every time. You can do it. Good luck.

 

[Dilli]

I want to say, this pisses me off, because the people at OCLP make a good program, but it has TERRIBLE instructions, like literally 9 out of 10 people who try to install OCLP will not complete the OS installation (and I am being generous, it is probably like 19 out of 20 people). I mean there are even instructions for the instructions! http://blog.greggant.com/posts/2023/01/23/opencore-legacy-patcher-quick-instructions.html and they only get about 75% done, I had to figure out some mystery steps at the end and I am lucky that it worked.




WHY IS IT SO BAD? I never gain anything out of this, if I save money on a new Mac, I LOSE time because I have to install an operating system EIGHT or more times to get it to work properly ONCE!



You said you have to install it from a blank SSD, NO WHERE DID IT SAY THAT. Also how would I install the kext files to prep the SSD if I have to install an unsupported OS (that cannot even be installed on the targeted Mac in the first place!).
View attachment 2187346
That is why I had to install the latest base MacOS, update the kext files, prep the USB drive, install and boot the OS from the USB drive (I dont know why OCLP does this), run the OS from the USB drive, and install it to the SSD, and then pray that it works and doesnt boot up with a question mark).

That is how I do it, that is how the instructions are listed in the OCLP page, that is how the instructions for the instructions do it in the 10 step guide I posted. It always takes a lot of LUCK to get OCLP to work, out of the eight total installs / reinstalls, I only got it to work once, and it was buggy as hell with the video, so I had to revert.

One thing I like about the dosdude1 patcher, is that it WORKS and it is somewhat easier. OCLP is garbage when it comes to getting it work in the first place, they do not care if people install it or not, it is like an egghead exercise for them. I wish dosdude1 could take over the OCLP project, then at least the successful install rate will jump like 5 x.



Can you write an extremely clear 100 step guide (I am being serious, split it into 100 steps, leave no step untouched) so you can replace the garbage instructions on the OCLP website, then maybe people can actually use OCLP to successfully install a new macOS, otherwise it is cheaper to sell your Mac and buy a new one.

Come On Man you have been crying ever since and I have watched your posts. First of all you are the only 19th out of 20 who have not been able to move forward. The guidelines and instructions are well made by developers of OCLP.

Second you need to do a bit of research yourself . There are optimum number of videos on Youtube as to how to go about installation and setup besides documentary guides. Always read the first page of this thread and you will know how to start.

So all the best and dont get us wrong. We all went through what you are going through and ultimately got it on our own. ✌️

 

[reppresident]

Hi... excuse me. First, thnk yall for all the info about cMp specifically. Long time reader, first time posting. Quick question after a lil system intro: Mac pro 5.1, MVC rx460, pex8747 card with 1tb nvme, oclp 0.4.11, Big Sur 11.7 running stable. Heres the question: if i want to update to 11.7.6, i have to update oclp to 0.6.3 or mine 0.4.11 is ok to do so? Thnx anyway.

 

[jgleigh]

You only have to update OCLP if there's a fix for an issue you're having or you want the latest version. 0.4.11 should work fine with Big Sur. Most of the latest OCLP fixes are focused on Ventura.

 

[Dilli]

Hi... excuse me. First, thnk yall for all the info about cMp specifically. Long time reader, first time posting. Quick question after a lil system intro: Mac pro 5.1, MVC rx460, pex8747 card with 1tb nvme, oclp 0.4.11, Big Sur 11.7 running stable. Heres the question: if i want to update to 11.7.6, i have to update oclp to 0.6.3 or mine 0.4.11 is ok to do so? Thnx anyway.

IF OCLP update is available better you update it and then go for the installation. Sometimes issues crop up with older OCLP version and the newer OS , so in my opinion it is always better to update your OCLP.

 

[TigerA]

Recently clean-installed OCLP_063 Big Sur 11.7.5 for my non-metal iMac10,1 with OCLP generated installation USB flash drive. Everything was good for my needs (basic stuff) except for the OS update via System Preference. It always failed at the restart, which closed all the apps but never restarted the iMac: showing a mouse pointer on an existing desktop background. After a few failed attempts, I had to build an OCLP generated installation USB drive and update the Big Sur from 11.7.5 to 11.7.6. Also noticed the OCLP app can't revert the root patch either in 11.7.5 or 11.7.6, same in recovery mode via terminal command.
It would be appreciated if someone can provide the answer.
ADD: received the answer from developer: “revert root patch” only works for Monterrey & Ventura. Apple has dropped “root snapshot” feature in Big Sur.

 

[avz]

Hi... excuse me. First, thnk yall for all the info about cMp specifically. Long time reader, first time posting. Quick question after a lil system intro: Mac pro 5.1, MVC rx460, pex8747 card with 1tb nvme, oclp 0.4.11, Big Sur 11.7 running stable. Heres the question: if i want to update to 11.7.6, i have to update oclp to 0.6.3 or mine 0.4.11 is ok to do so? Thnx anyway.

I have 11.7.6 installed and running great with the OCLP 0.4.6. My hardware is 13 inch Mid 2012 MacBook Pro.

 

[reppresident]

I have 11.7.6 installed and running great with the OCLP 0.4.6. My hardware is 13 inch Mid 2012 MacBook Pro.

Thats what i want to hear. Thnx for your time to reply your personal experience. Helped a lot indeed

 

[Mystere65]

iMac Late 2009 with OCLP 0.6.2 everything ok, but no rendering on Safari, with OCLP 0.6.3 Safari ok, but Mac won't shut down... anyone have the same problem?

 

[1jak0]

Update Big Sur 11.7.6 with OCLP 0.6.3 and everything goes smooth as possible.

 

[TigerA]

iMac Late 2009 with OCLP 0.6.2 everything ok, but no rendering on Safari, with OCLP 0.6.3 Safari ok, but Mac won't shut down... anyone have the same problem?

Big Sur 11.7.6 with OCLP_0.6.3 worked very well on my non-metal iMac 10,1 (Late 2009, see signature). However, updating to 11.7.7 via OTA ended up the iMac can’t shutdown or restart. The Preboot volume is missing a lot of stuff. I am going to use OCLP generated installation USB to reinstall the OS, once the 11.7.7 is made available.

 

[maserluv]

OCLP_0.6.4 is OUT!

 

[Ausdauersportler]

OCLP_0.6.4 is OUT!

New OCLP target new macOS versions. The latest releases from 0.6.2 onwards in particular made some severe changes for some Macs (disabled AMFI, again) which will disable functionality on Big Sur and Monterey just to allow the use of the latest Ventura releases. Especially Kepler and IvyBridge 2012 Macs are hit by this.

There is absolutely no use and no need to install and use this new OCLP releases unless you have a double boot installation with Ventura or the change log explicitly mentions your Mac model and a special development only available with new OCLP version, e.g the support for iMac9,1 with metal AMD MXM cards.

Will update the first posts about OCLP versions and update, not sure if anybody here reads it, though.

Edit:
There will be no automatic mode. How on earth should a program read from your mind what macOS versions or even worse which combinations of macOS and other OS versions you are intend to install?

 

[TimmuJapan]

which will disable functionality on Big Sur and Monterey just to allow the use of the latest Ventura releases.

What functionality is disabled on ivy bridge macs using onwards from 0.6.2 for Monterey/Big Sur with ivy bridge macs? Specifically, what doesn’t work?