Dear Friends,
The install of El Capitan, at least what I thought was the installation, took a while. A screen shows up with the 10.11 logo stating to install click continue, agree to terms and install OS, I got the option to use disk utility, time machine or recovery or click the install button. Process: I created a USB disk with a bootable El Capitan as per this documentation. Plug-in your USB key on a turned-off computer. Start your Mac, press immediately OPTION (aka ALT) Select the Orange icon (aka a USB stick) labelled El Capitan. If it does not detect it after 10 sec and you only see your hard-drive. OS X El Capitan supports two methods of installation. The default method is an upgrade install, which will upgrade your Mac to El Capitan while preserving all of your user data and apps.This is the most common means of upgrading the operating system and is recommended when your Mac is in good shape and having no problems.
I am unable to install OS X El Capitan on my MacBook Pro running 10.6.8. I downloaded the OS X El Capitan from App Store and when I follow the installation instructions, I get this error 'This disk cannot be used to start up your computer'.
I referenced the details mentioned here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203482 (Installer reports 'OS X could not be installed on your computer' or 'This disk cannot be used to start up your computer'), and the problem I am having is that I don't have a Partition on my hard disk. Unfortunately, I do not have a 'startup disk' either and thus I am not sure how to go about installing OS X El Capitan at this time. The instructions says 'If possible, back up and reformat the target disk before installing'.
I do have External Hard disk that I can use to create a backup using Time Machine, but I don't know what to do after that. Should I also copy the OS X El Capitan installation file that currently exists on my Mac Internal Hard Drive on the External Hard Disk? What should I do after I create backup on external hard drive? I have lot of data and software on my Mac and don't want to lose them all in the process of formatting the internal hard drive.
I am complete n00b with the upgrade and need assistance.
Many thanks!!!
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
Posted on May 19, 2016 8:52 PM
macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.
Check compatibility
macOS Big Sur is compatible with the following computers. If your Mac isn't compatible, you might be able to install an old version of macOS instead.
MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers.
If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
Download macOS Big Sur
If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Install Mac Os El Capitan
Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: Get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
Install macOS Big Sur
After downloading, the installer opens automatically. Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, it might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
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Can't Install El Capitan
After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. To check for updates, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.