ERROR: This version of macOS 10.13.3 cannot be installed on this computer

[firmo]

When I try to install High Sierra, I get the following message:


“We could not complete your purchase.

This version of macOS 10.13.3 cannot be installed on this computer.”

My spec is as follows:

• OS X Yosemite – Version 10.10.5
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
• Processor: 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• Memory: 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
• Startup Disk: Macintosh SSD

I also tried installing via a different method: [Downloaded the OS using a different Mac, transferred it to mine.] This also has the same result.


Is the issue that my MacBook is just too old to install this OS? My Mac runs brilliantly – I have no issues with it whatsoever, EXCEPT that there is now software that I am unable to use.

 

[webbga]

When I searched for a compatibility list this is what I found. Looks like you may have just missed the cutoff:

macOS Sierra requires at least 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage space and will run on:

• iMac: Late 2009 or newer.
• MacBook and MacBook Retina: Late 2009 or newer.
• MacBook Pro: Mid 2010 or newer.
• MacBook Air: Late 2010 or newer.
• Mac Mini: Mid 2010 or newer.
• Mac Pro: Mid 2010 or newer.

 

[firmo]

Thanks webbga.

I was hoping there would be some kind of workaround, but there probably isn't.

I'll have to settle for El Capitan...

 

[oldhifi]

El Captain works better on a old MBP

 

[MSastre]

El Captain works better on a old MBP

I'm running El Capitan on my 2009 17" MBP ... runs great.

 

[Phil in ocala]

I'm running El Capitan on my 2009 17" MBP ... runs great.

??????????
I wish this would have happened to me...this H.S OS is a big pain and wish I could go back!!!!

 

[MSastre]

??????????
I wish this would have happened to me...this H.S OS is a big pain and wish I could go back!!!! View attachment 755733

That's a good reason to always make a current clone of your system drive before doing any OS upgrade. I can go back several OS versions on all the Macs I own, just in case something I need no longer works. Faster and easier than using Time Machine. I like SuperDuper, but Carbon Copy Cloner works as well.