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Need help removing High Sierra down to El Caiptan.

Patth9

Patth9

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 28, 2007
217
37
I've got are really hard problem to which perhaps someone may be able to help me.

My husband's Mac Mini came to us used with no program. I thought it would be smart to install Sierra , since it wouldn't need to be updated for a long while. However, unbeknownst to me, my dear husband agreed to except Apple's offer of High Sierra. I have no idea how that happened.

Is there any one who has simple instructions for removing High Sierra that will allow me to lower his Mac Mini to El Capitan 10. The reason I now suggest El Capitan rather than Sierra, is after I gleaned Sierra, I knew it was a bit heavy for him. I'm fair with keeping up with Macs, but hubby is not.

I have a backup of for the High Sierra, and a Install OS X El Capitan. I've tried to find a video that would explain, step by step, how to proceed. So far I haven't found a good one.

Please help me, before I do something that I can't fix.
Patt
 
Patth9 said:
I have a backup of for the High Sierra, and a Install OS X El Capitan.
Click to expand...

It's not hard, but there are a few basics to start with. When you say you have an Install of El Capitan, what do you mean? A USB thumb drive with the install files on it, or a Time Machine backup? Having the installer of El Capitan is an important first step.

One of the first things you'll want to do is make a copy of all your important files on an external drive, as you will be wiping the Mini entirely in order to go back to El Capitan.
 
I agree with Darmok N Jalad - you will need to completely wipe the hard drive.

I would suggest that you make sure that your El Capitan installer will boot your mini. If you simply have downloaded the El Capitan installer app, then you can use that to create a bootable installer. You can do THAT easily with one of the apps that makes that process simple, such as DiskMakerX, or Install Disk Creator. There's also steps to use your Terminal to do that, but the dedicated apps are designed to make the task quick and easy.

Do you have any documents, or music, pictures, etc on the mini that you need to save? Do that (backup files) next.
Boot to your installer. Erase the drive with Disk Utility.
Reinstall OS X.
And, finally, restore your apps and files that you backed up. If there were no important files, then just set up for your husband's use.
That's it!
 
Last edited:
I downloaded El Capitan a long while ago. This is the way it looks, here is a picture. If this doesn't look like it will do the trick, please offer where I might find an El Capitan.

Install OS X El Capitan.app.png
It shouldn't be too hard getting all of my husband's data up as he doesn't save videos, pictures, or movies, that's my area of expertise. I'm assuming that I will have to buy program called iWork (Pages) since his data is mostly tided to iWork '09/.

To answer Darmok N Jalad's question, I downloaded El Capitan a long time ago, I think it downloaded as a.dmg, but I can not be 100% sure. If I am wrong, and you are familiar with my picture above, do you know of any place it might be available? If push comes to shove, then I would have to replace High Sierra with Sierra, I guess.

Thank you both for helping me.
Patt
[doublepost=1516512468][/doublepost]Thanks
titangears I didn't see your post before posting my own post. I appreciate you help.

Patt
[doublepost=1516512559][/doublepost] titangears, I didn't see you post until I posted, I will certainly study the links.

I appreciate your help.

Patt
 
We can help.
But it's important that you take things one step at a time.

Let's do "the first step" first (of course).

You already have the El Cap installer.
What you need to do next:
1. Get a USB flashdrive. 16gb will do. If you don't have one, try 8gb (absolute minimum).
2. Open Disk Utility and ERASE the flashdrive to HFS+ with journaling enabled.
3. Download a free, small app called Boot Buddy from here:
https://sqwarq.com/boot-buddy/
4. Launch Boot Buddy and create a bootable flashdrive installer from your El Cap installer (it's VERY easy to do -- just a couple of buttons to click)
5. Now you have "the proper tool" with which to do the re-install.

Next step:
BACK UP THE DATA ON THE HUSBAND'S DRIVE.
You're going to "wipe it out" in the re-install, so anything on it will be GONE unless you back it up.
I always always ALWAYS recommend CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper for backups. Both are FREE to download and use for 30 days.
Get CCC from here:
http://www.bombich.com/download.html

NOTE: If you absolutely positively are SURE that there's nothing on the drive you want to save, you can skip the backup step.
BUT -- you better ask the husband BEFORE you do that!

Once you have the backup (if required), do this:
1. Power down the Mac (all the way off)
2. Insert the USB flashdrive installer
3. Power up the Mac
4. IMMEDIATELY hold down the option key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN. The startup manager will appear
5. Select the USB flashdrive with the pointer and hit return.
6. The Mac should now boot from the flashdrive
7. It will boot directly to the installer - BUT - you DON'T want to run it yet.
8. Quit the installer (for now) and select Disk Utility from the menu
9. DU will open. Select the internal drive (the top choice that represents the physical drive), and click "erase".
10. Erase the internal drive to HFS+ with journaling enabled. NUKE IT!
11. Now quit Disk Utility and re-open the installer
12. The installer should pre-select the internal drive as "the target" so go ahead and re-install El Cap. It will take a while, and you should be prepared for a restart or two during the process.
13. When done, the Mac should reboot to the setup display.

IF there was important data saved from the old install, it's possible to "re-integrate" it into the new install.
But -- that's the subject of another post.
Try to get re-installed first.

PRINT OUT this message and save it for reference!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hanson Eigilson and titangears
You will find the "Install OSX El Capitan.app" in the /Applications directory. More than likely it was not downloaded as a DMG, however these links I posted address all of that. You will need to use the Terminal app that came with OSX, which can be found in Applications -> Utilities. I actually prefer iTerm instead of Terminal, which can be downloaded here:

https://www.iterm2.com/

Good luck & let us know how it goes for you or if you have any more questions.
 
Fishrrman

Thank you for your step by step instructions, and the Boot Buddy helper. I have printed off all the instructions.

I neglected to tell folks that the El Capiton was downloaded onto my Mac Mini which is running on OS X 10.8.5 (12F45) Mountain Lion (Late 2012).

Using my 10.8.5 Mac Mini, I downloaded Boot Buddy, but could not get the El Capiton application to merge with my 31.87 GB thumb-drive to be connected to the Boot Buddy. Below is the message I received.

El Capiton too big.png


Opened for suggestions.
 
Patth9 said:
Fishrrman

Thank you for your step by step instructions, and the Boot Buddy helper. I have printed off all the instructions.

I neglected to tell folks that the El Capiton was downloaded onto my Mac Mini which is running on OS X 10.8.5 (12F45) Mountain Lion (Late 2012).

Using my 10.8.5 Mac Mini, I downloaded Boot Buddy, but could not get the El Capiton application to merge with my 31.87 GB thumb-drive to be connected to the Boot Buddy. Below is the message I received.

View attachment 747897

Opened for suggestions.
Click to expand...
You probably have the drive formatted in FAT. Reformat the drive as an HFS+ volume.
 
Last edited:
]titangears You are correct, "Duh", I was so nervous I forgot to Formatted in FAT.

I formatted as suggested, unfortunately, this is what I saw.
wont work with this version.png


Guess I will have to move over to my Husband's computer and try to download an different EL Capiton.
Patt
 
Last edited:
See this article, about halfway down.
https://www.macworld.com/article/29...le-os-x-10-11-el-capitan-installer-drive.html
Making the installer drive
  1. Connect to your Mac a properly formatted 8GB (or larger) drive, and rename the drive Untitled. (The Terminal commands I provide here assume that the drive is named Untitled. If the drive isn’t named Untitled, the procedure won’t work.)
  2. Make sure the El Capitan installer (or at least a copy of it), called Install OS X El Capitan.app, is in its default location in your main Applications folder (/Applications).
  3. Select the text of the following Terminal command and copy it. Note that the window that displays the command scrolls to the right.
    Code: 
    sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app
  4. Launch Terminal (in /Applications/Utilities).
  5. Warning: This step will erase the destination drive or partition, so make sure that it doesn’t contain any valuable data. Paste the copied command into Terminal and press Return.
  6. Type your admin-level account password when prompted, and then press Return.
  7. You may see the message “To continue we need to erase the disk at /Volumes/Untitled. If you wish to continue type (Y) then press return:” If so, type the letter Y and then press Return. If you don't see this message, you're already set.
Click to expand...
​
 
You can also use the app DiskmakerX, which does the same task as Boot Buddy, and will work on Mountain Lion, if that's all you have. (Scroll down to download the version 5.0.3 on that page.)
The post from Darmok N Jalad (above) will also work. It does require carefully typing in that terminal command, but it will work, too.
 
DeltaMac said:
You can also use the app DiskmakerX, which does the same task as Boot Buddy, and will work on Mountain Lion, if that's all you have. (Scroll down to download the version 5.0.3 on that page.)
The post from Darmok N Jalad (above) will also work. It does require carefully typing in that terminal command, but it will work, too.
Click to expand...
Maybe it's cheating a little, but I just copy and paste it into terminal.
 
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Reactions: DeltaMac
OP:

If you're not sure about using terminal try DiskMaker X.
It does the same thing as Boot Buddy. I didn't realize that you were using 10.8.5 and that BB wouldn't run under it.

One step at a time.
If you need help, ask again here.
 
Well, it certainly isn't anyone's fault except mine for not mentioning what OS I was using, that's for sure.

I'm beginning to think that I am way over my head. The link that
Darmok N Jalad offered is most helpful. I copied the link and will likely print the information.

Since "Install OS X El Capitan" is so large, how do I transfer El Capiton from my Mac Mini to my Huband's Mac Min. (Remember, my El Capitan install is on my Mac which is supporting Mountain Lion.)

I am wondering if I could use my own Mountain Lion backup (WD) to transport a copy of El Capiton to Hubby's Mac Mini, currently wedded to High Sierra, and transfer El Capiton to his Mac mini . Is there a safe way or any way to do this?


"Make sure the El Capitan installer (or at least a copy of it), called Install OS X El Capitan.app, is in its default location in your main Applications folder (/Applications)." from = Making the installer drive


I have to admit, this is the most difficult Mac challenges I have ever met, partly because it isn't MY Mac to which I am planning this operation. Apple is moving so fast it is so easy to miss what is new.

Thanks for any and all help,
Patt
 
Patth9 said:
Well, it certainly isn't anyone's fault except mine for not mentioning what OS I was using, that's for sure.

I'm beginning to think that I am way over my head. The link that
Darmok N Jalad offered is most helpful. I copied the link and will likely print the information.

Since "Install OS X El Capitan" is so large, how do I transfer El Capiton from my Mac Mini to my Huband's Mac Min. (Remember, my El Capitan install is on my Mac which is supporting Mountain Lion.)

I am wondering if I could use my own Mountain Lion backup (WD) to transport a copy of El Capiton to Hubby's Mac Mini, currently wedded to High Sierra, and transfer El Capiton to his Mac mini . Is there a safe way or any way to do this?


"Make sure the El Capitan installer (or at least a copy of it), called Install OS X El Capitan.app, is in its default location in your main Applications folder (/Applications)." from = Making the installer drive


I have to admit, this is the most difficult Mac challenges I have ever met, partly because it isn't MY Mac to which I am planning this operation. Apple is moving so fast it is so easy to miss what is new.

Thanks for any and all help,
Patt
Click to expand...


Following Fisherrman's advice will be your simplest way of getting back to El Capitan. Having a bootable usb installer makes the process easy and repeatable if needed in the future. Make sure you back up your hard drive with CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper before doing any thing.
 
Fishrrman said:
We can help.
But it's important that you take things one step at a time.

Let's do "the first step" first (of course).

You already have the El Cap installer.
What you need to do next:
1. Get a USB flashdrive. 16gb will do. If you don't have one, try 8gb (absolute minimum).
2. Open Disk Utility and ERASE the flashdrive to HFS+ with journaling enabled.
3. Download a free, small app called Boot Buddy from here:
https://sqwarq.com/boot-buddy/
4. Launch Boot Buddy and create a bootable flashdrive installer from your El Cap installer (it's VERY easy to do -- just a couple of buttons to click)
5. Now you have "the proper tool" with which to do the re-install.

Next step:
BACK UP THE DATA ON THE HUSBAND'S DRIVE.
You're going to "wipe it out" in the re-install, so anything on it will be GONE unless you back it up.
I always always ALWAYS recommend CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper for backups. Both are FREE to download and use for 30 days.
Get CCC from here:
http://www.bombich.com/download.html

NOTE: If you absolutely positively are SURE that there's nothing on the drive you want to save, you can skip the backup step.
BUT -- you better ask the husband BEFORE you do that!

Once you have the backup (if required), do this:
1. Power down the Mac (all the way off)
2. Insert the USB flashdrive installer
3. Power up the Mac
4. IMMEDIATELY hold down the option key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN. The startup manager will appear
5. Select the USB flashdrive with the pointer and hit return.
6. The Mac should now boot from the flashdrive
7. It will boot directly to the installer - BUT - you DON'T want to run it yet.
8. Quit the installer (for now) and select Disk Utility from the menu
9. DU will open. Select the internal drive (the top choice that represents the physical drive), and click "erase".
10. Erase the internal drive to HFS+ with journaling enabled. NUKE IT!
11. Now quit Disk Utility and re-open the installer
12. The installer should pre-select the internal drive as "the target" so go ahead and re-install El Cap. It will take a while, and you should be prepared for a restart or two during the process.
13. When done, the Mac should reboot to the setup display.

IF there was important data saved from the old install, it's possible to "re-integrate" it into the new install.
But -- that's the subject of another post.
Try to get re-installed first.

PRINT OUT this message and save it for reference!
Click to expand...

Fishrrman said:
We can help.
But it's important that you take things one step at a time.

Let's do "the first step" first (of course).

You already have the El Cap installer.
What you need to do next:
1. Get a USB flashdrive. 16gb will do. If you don't have one, try 8gb (absolute minimum).
2. Open Disk Utility and ERASE the flashdrive to HFS+ with journaling enabled.
3. Download a free, small app called Boot Buddy from here:
https://sqwarq.com/boot-buddy/
4. Launch Boot Buddy and create a bootable flashdrive installer from your El Cap installer (it's VERY easy to do -- just a couple of buttons to click)
5. Now you have "the proper tool" with which to do the re-install.

Next step:
BACK UP THE DATA ON THE HUSBAND'S DRIVE.
You're going to "wipe it out" in the re-install, so anything on it will be GONE unless you back it up.
I always always ALWAYS recommend CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper for backups. Both are FREE to download and use for 30 days.
Get CCC from here:
http://www.bombich.com/download.html

NOTE: If you absolutely positively are SURE that there's nothing on the drive you want to save, you can skip the backup step.
BUT -- you better ask the husband BEFORE you do that!

Once you have the backup (if required), do this:
1. Power down the Mac (all the way off)
2. Insert the USB flashdrive installer
3. Power up the Mac
4. IMMEDIATELY hold down the option key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN. The startup manager will appear
5. Select the USB flashdrive with the pointer and hit return.
6. The Mac should now boot from the flashdrive
7. It will boot directly to the installer - BUT - you DON'T want to run it yet.
8. Quit the installer (for now) and select Disk Utility from the menu
9. DU will open. Select the internal drive (the top choice that represents the physical drive), and click "erase".
10. Erase the internal drive to HFS+ with journaling enabled. NUKE IT!
11. Now quit Disk Utility and re-open the installer
12. The installer should pre-select the internal drive as "the target" so go ahead and re-install El Cap. It will take a while, and you should be prepared for a restart or two during the process.
13. When done, the Mac should reboot to the setup display.

IF there was important data saved from the old install, it's possible to "re-integrate" it into the new install.
But -- that's the subject of another post.
Try to get re-installed first.

PRINT OUT this message and save it for reference!
Click to expand...
[doublepost=1516658702][/doublepost]Fishrrman
[URL='https://forums.macrumors.com/members/fishrrman.283487/']
I am on my way, CCC done, have been using this since some time in the 90s. Started of reading your most humorous instructions. No sooner had I opened up the Disk Utility when I was stopped in my tracks. Here is a rather large picture that the High Sierra now shows as the new Disk Utility.[/URL]
Awaiting my orders...
Trish
https://forums.macrumors.com/members/fishrrman.283487/
HFS+with Journaling.png

https://forums.macrumors.com/members/fishrrman.283487/
Motto is, Never Give Up, Never surrender.
https://forums.macrumors.com/members/fishrrman.283487/
https://forums.macrumors.com/members/fishrrman.283487/
https://forums.macrumors.com/members/fishrrman.283487/
 
My USB flash MacOS installer drives are formatted with the Master Boot Record partition map, with the format being MacOS Extended (Journalized).

  • Once you get your flash drive setup with the installer, you'll need to plug it into the Mini, and turn it on.
  • After the Apple bong sound, hold down the Option key (or Alt if it's a non-Apple keyboard), and then select this USB drive from the list of boot option. It will start the installer.
  • When the installer loads, select Disk Utility.
  • From Disk utility, select the Mini's hard drive and select "Erase" (which obviously destroys all data on this drive, hence the need for a backup of important files).
  • Select GUID partition scheme, Mac OS Extended (Journalized). Give the drive a name of your choosing and continue.
  • When complete, close disk utility and proceed with "Install MacOS X."
  • When prompted during the install process, select your newly formatted internal drive and proceed to the finish line. It's all downhill from there!
 
Last edited:
OP:

In the screenshot of Disk Utility posted in #18 above, the choice you want is the checked one:
Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Just make sure you erase the correct drive!
Is your intent at this point to erase the husband's internal drive, or something else?
 
Fishrrman said:
OP:

In the screenshot of Disk Utility posted in #18 above, the choice you want is the checked one:
Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Just make sure you erase the correct drive!
Is your intent at this point to erase the husband's internal drive, or something else?
Click to expand...

Fishrrman, didn't think I had any other choice but to erase hubby's (Bob) internal drive. Today is my big challenge. BTW, what does OP sand for?
 
Looks like I am missing something. Below are four pictures showing how far I got just trying to get Boot Buddy to work. I won't give up if ya'll won't give up. I took screen shots to show how far I got, is the Boot Buddy Flash Drive suppose to have something
inside, because mine didn't?
Boot Buddy.png
 
If you have your USB drive formatted and named "Untitled," plug it into the machine that has the the "El Capitan" installer. Make sure the El Capitan Installer is in your Applications folder. Highlight the following with your mouse, right click on it, and "Copy"
sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app
Click to expand...

Open the program "Terminal," right click, and paste. The command above will drop in. Hit "enter" and you will be prompted for your password. Terminal will take some time to copy the El Capitan app on the USB drive, but it will show the progress and let you know when it is done. Once it is done, the USB drive on the desktop will change from "Untitled" to "Install El Capitan." You should then be ready to go for the install process.

It looks intimidating, but it really isn't.
 
Patth9 said:
Looks like I am missing something. Below are four pictures showing how far I got just trying to get Boot Buddy to work. I won't give up if ya'll won't give up. I took screen shots to show how far I got, is the Boot Buddy Flash Drive suppose to have something
inside, because mine didn't?
Click to expand...
In Picture 3: The Source (Install OS X El Capitan) is correct. The Destination should be the "Untitled" USB thumb drive.
 
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