Erase the internal drive (for clean install):
Install macOS:
Setup Assistant:
| Issue | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| “This copy of the Install macOS High Sierra application is damaged” | Set system date via Terminal: date 0101010118 (Jan 1, 2018). Then retry install. |
| USB not showing in boot menu | Ensure USB is GUID partitioned and formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). |
| Installation stuck at “Less than a minute remaining” | Wait up to 30 minutes; it’s verifying firmware. If stuck, restart and reinstall. |
| Mac is too new (2019+) | High Sierra doesn’t include drivers. You cannot install it. |
| Mac is too old (pre-2009) | Use a patcher (e.g., dosdude1’s High Sierra Patcher) – not covered here. |
Date: [Current Date] Subject: Legacy OS Installation – macOS 10.13 High Sierra