Unable to install clean Catalina PKDownloadError error 8: failed to download package

I nuked my hard drive (it was encrypted). I thought I could just erase the drive and start fresh. I have a mid-2017 macbook pro 2017. I was running catalina fine. I updated and then the system got unstable and would continuously restart.

When installing macOS Catalina 10.15.6, I am getting this "PKDownloadError error 8" error message.

I'm failing to download this package:

http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/10/06/001-36801-...OSX_10_15_IncompatibleAppList.pkg

Additionally, I'm getting an opendirectoryd [212]: [auth] failed to write file <private>

error that crashes with EXC_BAD_ACCESS with a KERN_INVALID_ADDRESS code.

Has anyone else had this issue? I can't seem to reinstall the OS. I'm assuming erasing the drive may have messed something up. Perhaps bricked the drive.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 9, 2020 06:43 AM

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leroydouglas

Community+ 2025

Level 10

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Posted on Sep 9, 2020 06:55 AM

Boot into Internet Recovery (Option Command R)

Recovery: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

How to erase a disk for Mac - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496

How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

If your Mac has the T2 security chip, you may want to review those restrictions as well:

About Startup Security Utility - Apple Support https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208198

What is the Startup Security Utility on Mac? - Apple Support https://support.apple.com/lt-lt/guide/mac-help/mchlf5346320/mac

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Unable to install clean Catalina PKDownloadError error 8: failed to download package

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