The recovery option could not be contacted.

I’ve read many many comments on this topic from back in 2017 2018. I’m just now experiencing this in 2025 with an older machine.

I’m trying to reset my 2011 iMac (FYI this is not a MacBook, so not dealing with batteries here.)

the common message I read about in threads from back in 2017 2018 referred to the clock being off. I’ve tried resetting the clock the different ways suggested,

date -u 0824124525 , this did show it worked in the terminal window, then I exit that window then tried to reinstall OS and get the same error message.

Also tried the suggested ntpdate -u time.apple.com

however got the same result.

Note: I always make sure my WiFi is connected in the upper right corner and we have a strong WiFi signal here.

The suggested solutions mentioned above seems to have worked for some of you, but still not for me. what’s the difference? other than my machine is from 2011.

that shouldn’t matter should it ?