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Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
#48652 04/24/18 02:25 AM
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I'm still on Yosemite, mainly because every time I "upgrade" I end up with a system that I dislike even more than the previous one. Even so, it looks like I may have to upgrade in order to use some new software. This new software will work with El Capitan, and I'm thinking that this may not be too painful an upgrade.

The question is: Is it possible to get a legitimate El Capitan install package from somewhere? It doesn't appear to be possible through the App Store.


MacBook Pro 15" (2015)
Sierra 10.12.6
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48653 04/24/18 06:51 AM
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How to download OS X El Capitan - Apple Support includes a d/l link for El Cap.

Apple doesn't want you to be behind the times, so they make it difficult to find back OS versions. Searching the App Store isn't the answer; you've got to do a Google search.


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48669 04/26/18 01:02 AM
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Thanks for the link. Unfortunately when I try to download it from the App store, it tells me that it won't work on my computer, which is ridiculous. El Capitan came out only a few months after I bought this computer. I think they see that my computer is compatible with High Sierra and so they want to force me to download that instead. No thank you.

Anyway, I've reconsidered, and I think I'll stay with Yosemite for now. I'm hoping (without much optimism) that Apple will eventually come out with a better OS, and I may upgrade at that point.

I guess that I should have downloaded El Capitan when it was still current, but I'd heard so many bug reports at the time, that I didn't want to touch it.


MacBook Pro 15" (2015)
Sierra 10.12.6
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48678 04/26/18 04:19 PM
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I believe trying to download from the Apple Store will detect what OS you currently are using on your computer and, by design, will not give you the option to download an earlier version from them.

I also suspect, that even if you find an older version to download, you will have to do so on a separate drive (8 GB flash drive, for example) AND erase the current drive that contains the later version before installing the earlier version on it. (Perhaps you already realize this.) wink

P.S. Tried to send you a PM, Bob00001, but your preferences appear to be set not to accept PMs from other members.

Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
MG2009 #48682 04/26/18 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted By: MG2009
IP.S. Tried to send you a PM, Bob00001, but your preferences appear to be set not to accept PMs from other members.

All Private Messaging is turned off on these forums.


If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

— Albert Einstein
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48683 04/26/18 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted By: Bob_00001
Unfortunately when I try to download it from the App store, it tells me that it won't work on my computer, which is ridiculous. El Capitan came out only a few months after I bought this computer. I think they see that my computer is compatible with High Sierra and so they want to force me to download that instead. No thank you.

Try calling AppleCare. (With their new "We'll call you" procedure it's almost painless.)


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48684 04/27/18 08:56 AM
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Back in January I was going through the same throes vis-à-vis El Capitan — see "Downloading Mac OS" thread. Urquhart was most helpful in his post #47409 (2018-01-05) which follows (somewhat edited):

Originally Posted By: Urquhart
... a fresh copy will be the latest iteration: 10.11.6, but without the later security updates.
If ... an older installer earlier than 10.11.6, you’ll need the 10.11.6 Combo Update (1.5 GB) that'll work on any version 10.11.x. You can download it manually with any browser or use the App Store app.
I believe the security updates include all previous security updates (cumulative), so you’ll only need one: Security Update 2017-005 El Capitan (630.4MB). You can ... download it manually with any browser or use the App Store app.

Subsequent to that there were several threads with dealt with a number of El Capitan issues.

Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
joemikeb #48693 04/27/18 03:21 PM
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Re: All Private Messaging is turned off on these forums.

Is this something new or has this always been the case?

P.S. Under MY STUFF/EDIT PREFERENCES, there is an box option to "accept messages from other users " . . . which I have checked, so I presumed PM-ing to be a feature of this forum.

Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
MG2009 #48695 04/27/18 04:28 PM
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PMing has been turned off since day one.

There may have been a discussion about it early on, but after all these years, I'm not sure.


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
grelber #48698 04/28/18 05:56 AM
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Originally Posted By: MG2009
I believe trying to download from the Apple Store will detect what OS you currently are using on your computer and, by design, will not give you the option to download an earlier version from them.

I'm still running Yosemite (10.10) so El Capitan (10.11) would be a newer version.



Originally Posted By: grelber
Back in January I was going through the same throes vis-à-vis El Capitan — see "Downloading Mac OS" thread. Urquhart was most helpful in his post #47409 (2018-01-05) which follows (somewhat edited):

Originally Posted By: Urquhart
... a fresh copy will be the latest iteration: 10.11.6, but without the later security updates.
If ... an older installer earlier than 10.11.6, you’ll need the 10.11.6 Combo Update (1.5 GB) that'll work on any version 10.11.x. You can download it manually with any browser or use the App Store app.
I believe the security updates include all previous security updates (cumulative), so you’ll only need one: Security Update 2017-005 El Capitan (630.4MB). You can ... download it manually with any browser or use the App Store app.

Subsequent to that there were several threads with dealt with a number of El Capitan issues.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.



MacBook Pro 15" (2015)
Sierra 10.12.6
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48704 04/28/18 07:20 PM
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RE: "I'm still running Yosemite (10.10) so El Capitan (10.11) would be a newer version."

-----------------------


True. But I think - someone correct me if I am wrong - when one "upgrades" from ANY earlier version, the only option through Apple is its latest OS (which, currently, is High Sierra).

The only way I know of to go back to an earlier version is if one has access to a copy of that previous version (e.g. El Capitan) which was made on a separate bootable drive prior to installing said version.

P.S. There are several websites out there offering download versions of older Apple OSs. But, having never tried, I cannot vouch for either their reliability or legality.

Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
MG2009 #48708 04/28/18 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted By: MG2009
... But I think - someone correct me if I am wrong - when one "upgrades" from ANY earlier version, the only option through Apple is its latest OS (which, currently, is High Sierra).

The only way I know of to go back to an earlier version is if one has access to a copy of that previous version (e.g. El Capitan) which was made on a separate bootable drive prior to installing said version.

Wrong. Urquhart's advice and URLs worked perfectly for me — as I imagine they would for anyone.

Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
grelber #48709 04/28/18 08:41 PM
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Urquhart's links that you posted have nothing to do with Bob0000_1's problem, i.e. that the App Store is not permitting him to d/l El Cap even though he's running Yosemite.

I'll repeat my suggestion that he call AppleCare.

More: See post #48669

Last edited by artie505; 04/28/18 10:22 PM. Reason: Expand & More

The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
MG2009 #48710 04/28/18 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted By: MG2009
...someone correct me if I am wrong - when one "upgrades" from ANY earlier version, the only option through Apple is its latest OS (which, currently, is High Sierra).

That's correct if you go via the standard App Store route, but Apple also offers earlier versions via, for instance, the link I posted for users who don't want to go all the way.

Granted that they make being a laggard difficult, but they don't make it impossible.

Originally Posted By: MG2009
The only way I know of to go back to an earlier version is if one has access to a copy of that previous version (e.g. El Capitan) which was made on a separate bootable drive prior to installing said version.

There's no need to make a bootable drive; all you've got to do is archive Install macOS Whatever.app.

Originally Posted By: MG2009
There are several websites out there offering download versions of older Apple OSs. But, having never tried, I cannot vouch for either their reliability or legality.

Naaah!


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48712 04/28/18 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted By: MG2009
RE: "I'm still running Yosemite (10.10) so El Capitan (10.11) would be a newer version."

-----------------------


True. But I think - someone correct me if I am wrong - when one "upgrades" from ANY earlier version, the only option through Apple is its latest OS (which, currently, is High Sierra).

Yes, I agree; I have no doubt that's exactly what's happening. Apple doesn't want people using older OS's if they can bully them into using their latest nightmare. The real problem for me is that I know for a fact that several commercial software packages that I use, won't work on High Sierra, and so, if I upgrade to High Sierra I'll have to spend $$$$ for upgrades to those apps.

I've now downloaded the combo updater and security update using the link in Grelber's post #48698. Thanks for that! I'm surprised that Apple didn't delete it.


I'm still debating whether or not to install this on my main boot drive. I'll probably try installing it on another HD just to be safe. If it works out okay, then I'll put it on my main HD.


MacBook Pro 15" (2015)
Sierra 10.12.6
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48713 04/28/18 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted By: Bob_00001
I've now downloaded the combo updater and security update using the link in Grelber's post #48698. Thanks for that! I'm surprised that Apple didn't delete it.


I'm still debating whether or not to install this on my main boot drive. I'll probably try installing it on another HD just to be safe. If it works out okay, then I'll put it on my main HD.

grelber's linked d/l's are useless without an existing El Cap installation; they can't be "installed" anywhere, because they're merely updates. (They haven't been deleted because people are still doing fresh El Cap installs.)

CALL APPLECARE! (It's a free call, and it's almost painless, because they'll now call you back and save you from waiting on hold.)


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
artie505 #48714 04/29/18 12:26 AM
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Originally Posted By: artie505
grelber's linked d/l's are useless without an existing El Cap installation; they can't be "installed" anywhere, because they're merely updates. (They haven't been deleted because people are still doing fresh El Cap installs.)

Absolutely right, artie. I don't know what I was thinking .. or not, as the case may be. [See my comments in Post #47399 in the "Downloading Mac OS" thread.]
Mea culpa.
Sorry for the confusion, Bob.

Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
artie505 #48715 04/29/18 01:05 AM
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Well, that's a bummer. Oh well, at least I've got them to use if I can find a full El Cap install from somewhere.

Originally Posted By: artie505
CALL APPLECARE! (It's a free call, and it's almost painless, because they'll now call you back and save you from waiting on hold.)


Will do.


MacBook Pro 15" (2015)
Sierra 10.12.6
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
Bob_00001 #48716 04/29/18 03:27 AM
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Don't let 'em snow you; be forceful and ask to be kicked upstairs if you must!


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
artie505 #48720 04/29/18 04:27 PM
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RE: "CALL APPLECARE! (It's a free call . . . "

----------------------------------------

Free? When I bought my MBPro in 2011, it cost an additional $300 for AppleCare. Is this no longer the case?

Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
artie505 #48721 04/29/18 04:31 PM
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What is "macOS Whatever.app?"


Many thanks,
MG2009
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
MG2009 #48722 04/29/18 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted By: MG2009
What is "macOS Whatever.app?"

grin Shorthand for "the installer for whichever version of macOS you're dealing with".


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
MG2009 #48723 04/29/18 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted By: MG2009
RE: "CALL APPLECARE! (It's a free call . . . "

----------------------------------------

Free? When I bought my MBPro in 2011, it cost an additional $300 for AppleCare. Is this no longer the case?

It's still the case, but your $300 AppleCare was for tech support and repairs, including parts, on your Mac.

Just plain old tech support such as that we're discussing is free (or at least that's what the AMR Senior Specialist to whom I spoke the other day told me when I asked the same question).


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
artie505 #48724 04/29/18 04:37 PM
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What does "Naaah" mean?


No, these don't exist . . . OR . . . No don't do that?


Re: Is it possible to upgrade to an older OS version?
MG2009 #48725 04/29/18 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted By: MG2009
What does "Naaah" mean?


No, these don't exist . . . OR . . . No don't do that?


The latter. (Sorry for being obscure...so often.)

Any d/l of macOS other than directly from Apple would be bootleg and, therefore, untrustworthy (which is not to say that there aren't a slew of people selling apparently fully and honestly functional installers on eBay).


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
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