Restore Mac from iso file

[flouzje]

I erased all data from my mac so I can sell it (Macbook Air 2017)

I restart in recovery mode, unfortunately reinstalling O.S. via internet from the apple servers is not working.

So I'm trying to install it from an ISO file via diskutility

I found on the internet the file macOS High Sierra 10.13.5.iso and downloaded it

Unfortunately when trying to restore OS from this file it's complaining that it is not APFS formatted

I have no idea how to continue, can i convert this ISO so it's APFS compliant ? Any other option ?

Thanks in advance

 

[DarkPremiumCho]

Don't use unofficial installation sources, especially non standard formats like ISO.

Use App Store to download High Sierra or find a suitable method in Mr Macintosh's blog.

Then use createinstallmedia to create a bootable installer.

 

[flouzje]

Thx for your answer. I tried that before I searched unofficial source, but I can only download from my new Mac , and High Sierra is not compatible with my new mac in the app store, so I can also not download it from the app store, and the newest OS which I can download is not ok for Macbook Air 2017....

 

[flouzje]

So is there a way to download an older OS from app store which is not compatible with the device you download it on ?

 

[arw]

The 2nd link @DarkPremiumCho shared also offers direct download links. Even for High Sierra (InstallOS.dmg).
Then use the mentioned createinstallmedia method.
Btw, the MacBook Air 2017 can run macOS up to Monterey.

 

[flouzje]

Thx will try the direct Monterey download and createinstallmedia

 

[flouzje]

I was able to download Monterrey via the app store. However I only end up with an install app in my apps folder, allowing me to install on the mac where I downloaded it. But I need to install it on my other empty mac via the restore functionality and a dmg file on a usb stick. So not sure what you initially meant with download from app store.
The direct download link you mentioned is for Sierra, will try that but afraid will have the APFS issue again when trying the restore in diskutil

 

[flouzje]

The only thing I can seem to do on my old mac is Command R -> restore functionality. And then I need a dmg or iso file to recover from via diskutil

 

[flouzje]

Downloaded Monterrey from the app store. At the end after downloading 12 GB it installed app in my app folder and I got some weird error, forgot what it was. If I run the createinstallmedia I get error : mac os monterrey app does not appear to be a valid os installer application. Totally stuck. The dmg file you mention is Sierra and when I try it in diskutil it has the exact same apfs issue as mentioned in the beginning. Totally stuck, if I can't find solution I need to brick my Macbook Air 2017

 

[Honza1]

This can be frustrating, especially on newer macOS. It is getting really non-trivial to install macOS.
I am not sure there is any chance you can use diskutil anymore. Depends on macOS version you have, but I would not expect it to work with any system which is using APFS and seals system in separate container.
Easiest solution would be, if you have Apple store, simply make appointment with Genius and let them install macOS on this device. I believe that will be free, but you may want to check.
They could also fix the network installation, that should be pretty much your default solution in this case and is really annoying it does not work. I have used in on older (2015) MBP without any issues few years ago.
If that is not an option, you need to boot system on something bootable which will run the installer. The createinstallmedia is suppose to create bootable media from the installer, but there are other ways to do this. That page linked above Mr Macintosh's blog lists has other tools which can be used. Some seem to be GUI driven, which makes it easier to deal with...

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote in frustration:
"Totally stuck, if I can't find solution I need to brick my Macbook Air 2017"

OK, I'm going to lay out for you an alternative course to take.
It WON'T be for Monterey, however. It will be for Mojave.

You will need a WORKING MAC to get this job done.

PRINT OUT these instructions.
Here we go:

First, download the Mojave Patcher utility from here:

macOS Mojave Patcher

WE ARE NOT GOING TO "PATCH" ANYTHING, please keep reading.
Open the Mojave Patcher.
Dismiss any "error" message you see.
Next, go to the "tools" menu (in the menu bar).
See "download Mojave"?
THAT'S what we want, so choose it.
This will download a good copy of Mojave.

That's all we needed the Mojave Patcher for, you can quit it.

NEXT STEP:
Get a 16gb USB flash drive (USB3 preferred).
Use disk utility to erase it to HFS+ (Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format).
Leave it connected to the Mac for now.

NEXT STEP:
Download BOTH of the following FREE utilities:
1. DiskMaker X:

http://diskmakerx.com/downloads/DiskMaker_X_803.dmg

2. Install Disk Creator:

https://macdaddy.io/InstallDiskCreator.zip

Remember, download BOTH of them.

NOW:
Use either Diskmaker or Install Disk Creator to create a bootable flashdrive (using the Mojave dmg file you downloaded).

VERY VERY IMPORTANT:
If one of these apps doesn't work, TRY THE OTHER ONE.

OK, when that's done:
Take the flashdrive to the MBP.
Make sure it's powered off.
Now, boot from the flashdrive (press and HOLD DOWN the option key as the MBP boots to invoke the startup manager).

When the flashdrive is booted, open disk utility.
We are going to ERASE the ENTIRE internal drive.

VERY IMPORTANT STEP:
In disk utility, go to the "view" menu and choose SHOW ALL DEVICES.
You MUST NOT skip this step!

Now, look at the "list on the left". You should be able to see the physical drive inside the MBP.
Click on it, then click the erase button.
Erase to "APFS, GUID partition format".
When the erase is done, quit disk utility.

Now, open the OS installer and start clicking through.
The Mac will reboot one or more times, and the screen will go dark for a minute or more with no other indication of activity. Be patient.

When done, you should see the initial startup screen (choose your language).
At this point, PRESS AND HOLD DOWN the power-on button until the screen goes dark and the MBP shuts off.

It's ready for the new owner.

Good luck.

 

[flouzje]

Thanks everybody for the help.
I got it working by downloading and installing Monterrey OS app via the Mac Deploy Stick Tool. (download OS)
Downloading and installing did not work via the app store, some weird error message at the end of installation, and createinstallmedia did not work.
After downloading and installing via MDS I could make a bootable USB via createinstallmedia in Terminal