Level 1

8 points

how could i download an installer without actually installation (build a bootable usb)?

hello all:

i messed up my secondary macbook pro, wiped out everything. so i need a bootable usb with installer for a clean installation. but i can't download an installer from apple store since it always attempts to update my current macbook pro, even i disabled all of autoupdate functions. my current macbook pro runs catalina and i have no intention to upgrade to big sur at this moment.

i followed the link https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372" but without macos installer i can't go on. i just need to download an installer to build an bootable usb.

please help!

_dave

Mac Pro

Posted on Dec 1, 2020 11:20 AM

Reply

Similar questions

7 replies

Dec 1, 2020 5:35 PM in response to ipfreak

I was obsessing about 2013, because Mac Pro before 2013 do not have Internet Recovery in their ROM.

For Mac Book Pro, the important year is 2011. models from 2011 year and beyond you have Internet Recovery in ROM.

Fixing a Mac with an erased disk without Internet recovery is very challenging.

Reply

Level 1

8 points

Dec 1, 2020 12:08 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

i did that but i accidently erased everything...:(. my intention was to reset the system back to factory default but messed up badly.

now everytime i powered up, only see a big question mark, underneath a line of "support.apple.com/mac/startup".

thanks for reply.

Reply

Dec 1, 2020 12:01 PM in response to ipfreak

You don't require a bootable Installer, unless your Mac is from before 2013.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

.

Reply

Dec 1, 2020 12:38 PM in response to ipfreak

Is you r Mac from before 2013? which model?

Reply

Level 1

8 points

Dec 1, 2020 1:02 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

A1398 2015?

Reply

Level 1

8 points

Dec 1, 2020 1:29 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

A1398 EMC 2909 sometime between 2015 or 2016.

Reply

Level 1

8 points

Dec 1, 2020 4:52 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

thanks. command + r helped to recover from the internet.

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

how could i download an installer without actually installation (build a bootable usb)?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up