Device wont load - Error 4042

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Level 1

4 points

Device wont load - Error 4042

I have received a device that user stated would not load. Upon inspection, on a cold start, the logo appears and leaves, then seems to restart itself and repeat the process, and finally shows the circle with explanation point after the third or fourth cycle. Unable to boot into recovery mode. Only key combination that is working is DFU mode. First attempts lead to this error message - Error 4042

Things seem to indicate that this is a communication issue with the device talking with Apple's servers. Attempting this from work, perhaps the firewall or network were culprits, so I took it home (I like my Apple devices better). This produced the same error message, just at a different point in the process. The next day, searching Apple communities, there seems to be an indication that there was not enough disk space on the host device to process. Unable to determine what amount is needed, I freed close to 80GB before I received a new message. I also switched to Apple Configurator as this seem to provide a better interface than the finder window.

This is the first time I have seen an actual message from a device giving up. I have made progress and have gone further with each attempt, with this message appearing about three-fourths through 'installing the system'. I am so close.

I could use some advice here. Right now, I am not looking to reset the device. The end user is unsure about the iCloud and OneDrive backups and would prefer not erasing.

[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro (M4)

Posted on Aug 15, 2025 11:08 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

66,980 points

Aug 15, 2025 06:07 PM in response to iRocketTech

Once the Revive/Restore fails, then you should power off the "broken" Mac so you can put it back into DFU Mode.

Is the host Mac running a fully patched & updated macOS 15.x Sequoia? Also make sure Apple Configurator is completely up to date as well (version 2.18)? If they are not at these versions, then you will get a Revive/Restore failure.

Make sure you are using a USB only data cable. A Thunderbolt cable cannot be used to perform a DFU Firmware Revive/Restore. Usually a Thunderbolt cable will have some sort of marking on the connector to indicate Thunderbolt.....such as a lightning bolt. Apple's USB-C charging cables are USB only cables which can be used for DFU Firmware Revive/Restore and will not have any icon or designation on the connector. Even if you have a USB only cable, you may want to try a different cable.

And try connecting to a different USB port on the host Mac just in case the USB-C port on the host Mac has an issue.

Also, disconnect all other external devices from both Macs.

You do have the "broken" Mac connected to the power adapter?

Remember a DFU Firmware Revive does not reset the internal SSD. If the internal SSD is the problem, then you will need to perform a DFU Firmware Restore which will destroy all data on the internal SSD.

If you cannot successfully perform a DFU Firmware Restore after several attempts, then there is most likely a hardware issue with the "broken" Mac. Unfortunately Apple does not document most error codes or messages which is extremely frustrating.

Just curious about the exact model of this "broken" Mac. You can get the exact model by entering the system serial number on the check coverage page here (Please do not post the serial number on the forum since it is considered personal information):

View Coverage - AppleCare & Warranty

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