Can't install Sierra on Imac, 2011 with OS x 10.8.5

[Gynge]

Dear Community,

I've downloaded MacOS Sierra from the app store and have tried to install it on my Imac 2011 which runs Mac OS X 10.8.5. However, when asking for my code in "To continue installing macOS Sierra, you need to enter your account password" and I put the password, the window just disappears and nothing happens? I've tried to delete the downloaded system from application, re-start the computer, re-download Sierra, etc., and it still does the same. I've tried with both my code for user on the iMac and for my Mac-account and still the same, the window asking the password disappears but nothing happens?

I've added a screenshot of the window asking for the code...

All the best, and Thanx, Sven

 

[gsahli]

Some ideas -
Which window disappears? the password dialog window or the installer window?
Have you tried starting in Safe Mode and installing?
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262
Do you by chance have an antivirus program installed?

 

[Gynge]

Some ideas -
Which window disappears? the password dialog window or the installer window?
Have you tried starting in Safe Mode and installing?
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262
Do you by chance have an antivirus program installed?

Thanks for your fast reply Gsahli,

I just tried to restart in safe mode and had the same problem.

It's the password dialog window that disappears - the other stays and then the password window reappears if I select Install again ...

To my knowledge there's no antivirus program installed.

Thanks again, Sven

 

[ferrarr]

Before you install it, make sure you have a current backup. I would also create a USB bootable installer for Sierra, you would need an 8GB or larger USB/Flash/Thumb drive, for this.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

Try running Disk Utility > First Aid, on the startup disk and the volume. See if this helps.

 

[MacInWin]

The password it is looking for in that window is an admin account login password. So if your account is an admin account, it's your login password to the Mac, not to the store or iTunes. And when it gets a good password, the window will disappear but it may be a minute or so while the installer looks for where it can be installed to give you the option to select the target drive. So are you waiting for a few minutes after entering the password or looking for an immediate change?

 

[gsahli]

Is it possible you haven't clicked on the right arrow to start the install?

 

[Gynge]

I could install on an external drive?

Thanks all of you for trying to help me out. I've tried what you suggested and it didn't work. When testing the drive in Disk Utility it does not show any problems. I then hooked up and external firewire drive and tried selecting it and it installed on it - however, there are other things on the disk and I'm not sure I can use it as a start-up disk. It's weird, right. It will not install Sierra on the internal drive but on the external it does? On the external there are now two new folders "System" and "Library" from today ... hmmmm ... Should I maybe try and install another operating system before Sierra or maybe downgrade before or something? I thank you again for your help. Sven

 

[Gynge]

Just noticed a small difference in the information about my external and internal drive, see attached screenshot. The one say "Sven (Me)" can read & write the other says "system" instead -- could that cause the problem and how to I make sure I can install on the internal drive? --- I'm not sure, that's the issue since I have no problems at the moment running OsX 10.8.5 and read and writes etc. as I want to, when I log in ...

 

[ferrarr]

Do you have FileVault enabled on your internal drive?

 

[Gynge]

The mac firewall was actually enabled. I just disabled it, also, I disabled what I could in Avast application. I don't think there are other antivirus or firewalls installed. The same things happens with Sierra though. The code window just disappears an nothing happens - while it installed on the external drive --- weird.

 

[ferrarr]

Usually, when you turn FileVault on or off, on a drive, it will take some time to encrypt/decrypt the entire drive. You should uninstall Avast completely. You will not need to reinstall it.

 

[andreathssn]

Did you resolve this issue?

Hi Sven?

Did you ever figure out how to resolve this issue? I have the EXACT same problem to the very last detail (even our computers specs and current OS are exactly the same). It took a long time for me to even find this forum to verify that my problem exists beyond just my experience. Any update on your progress is appreciated!

Thanks,
Andrea

Dear Community,

I've downloaded MacOS Sierra from the app store and have tried to install it on my Imac 2011 which runs Mac OS X 10.8.5. However, when asking for my code in "To continue installing macOS Sierra, you need to enter your account password" and I put the password, the window just disappears and nothing happens? I've tried to delete the downloaded system from application, re-start the computer, re-download Sierra, etc., and it still does the same. I've tried with both my code for user on the iMac and for my Mac-account and still the same, the window asking the password disappears but nothing happens?

I've added a screenshot of the window asking for the code...

All the best, and Thanx, Sven