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Problem Upgrading to Big Sur

Yesterday I finally decided to upgrade the OS on iMac27 (2017) from Catalina to Big Sur. Initially the upgrade seemed to be going fine until I got the following error message: a circle with a line through it & a link to the applicable Apple support page on how to proceed in Recovery mode. Following the steps on the support page, I hit a brick wall when I was asked to establish an internet connection. I assumed that the internet connection was lost during the upgrading process. However, since I was stuck on the screen asking for an internet connection, I was at a loss as to how to proceed. So, I simply cloned my internal drive from my backup drive with Catalina.


Ideally, I am hoping someone can assist me in circumventing the "circle with the line through it". Or at least how I can re-establish an internet connection so I can proceed through the Apple support page.


Thank you so much.

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Aug 14, 2021 8:33 AM

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10 replies

Aug 14, 2021 9:35 AM in response to kitjv

Best of luck and do keep us updated on progress - time permits.


Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur 


There are several points to consider before attempting the upgrade to Big Sur. The most important is Due Diligence on the part of the User and is a Prerequisite for a smooth upgrade.  


The below points should all be consider Before attempting the upgrade.


Point # 1 - Are there pre-existing Unresolved Software Issues. They should be resolved prior to upgrading - they may carryover to Big Sur making the system unstable / unusable.


Point # 2 - Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation. The Built-in Security of Big Sur is all that is required.


Point # 2 A - Commercial VPNs should only be used if Mandated by Corporate Head Office for working remotely. Otherwise - ones Privacy and Security touted by the VPN is suspect.


Point # 3 - What are the System Requirements ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur.


Point # 4 - Does the intended computer qualify for the upgrade.


Point # 5 - Are the installed Applications / Extensions compatible with Big Sur. Check with the Developer for compatible Apps / Extension or do they offer updates. Same goes for Third Party Drivers for Printer, Scanners etc.


Point # 6 - If upgrading from Mojave and earlier versions of macOS - Remember that Big Sur does not support anything 32 bit. These include Applications, Extensions and Drivers for any devices. There is no workaround.


Point # 7 - Do you have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. For addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site


Point # 8  - To upgrade to Big Sur will requires a quick, stable and reliable Internet Connection - preferred method is via Ethernet Connection. 


If not available and using Wifi - move computer as close to the Access Point / Router and disconnect all other devices connected to Wifi. Want the maximum bandwidth for the computer being upgraded to Big Sur.

Problem Upgrading to Big Sur

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