Trying to create bootable usb for mac OS

[Smgs1992]

So i bought a new SSD to upgrade my 2012 macbook pro
I’m currently trying to save the OS install onto a flash drive so that once i swap the harddrive i can install the OS again obviously.
However on Terminal i followed the steps of how to create the file. It says “macOS Catalina.app does not appear to be a valid OS installer application.”

Anyone more computer/tech savvy know what’s wrong? Really wanting to be able to upgrade it this weekend

[Mark2016MG]

Check out this site - http://dosdude1.com/catalina/ I used it to fresh install OSX on my older iMac.

[Smgs1992]

Looks like that is for older macs like 2009 and older. Mine is a mid 2012 and catalina OS is supported

[cjb762]

Try the method here:

https://www.macworld.com/article/344...ler-drive.html

[Smgs1992]

Tried and failed. I think i’m having trouble because i apparently cant get a hold of the full version of Catalina. I’ve tried fetching it through Terminal as well and still no luck. Really don’t want to have to pay someone to install my hard drive which should be straight forward but it’s starting to look like thats the route i’m gonna have to go

[cjb762]

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

Tried and failed. I think i’m having trouble because i apparently cant get a hold of the full version of Catalina. I’ve tried fetching it through Terminal as well and still no luck. Really don’t want to have to pay someone to install my hard drive which should be straight forward but it’s starting to look like thats the route i’m gonna have to go

I just tried the method in the Macworld article with an external USB drive I had laying around - downloading a fresh copy of Catalina from the Mac App Store and using Install Disk Creator - and it worked perfectly.

What error do you get with Install Disk Creator (the 3d party program linked in the Macworld instructions)?

[Smgs1992]

“The selected item does not appear to be a valid macOS installer.

It is lacking the file “Contents/sharedSupport/installESD.dmg”

[cjb762]

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

“The selected item does not appear to be a valid macOS installer.

It is lacking the file “Contents/sharedSupport/installESD.dmg”

Weird. I know you said you downloaded a copy of Catalina via the terminal, but did you try re-downloading a new copy via the App Store?

[Smgs1992]

I downloaded catalina through the app store. I tried downloading one through Terminal but it failed to download

[cjb762]

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

I downloaded catalina through the app store. I tried downloading one through Terminal but it failed to download

Try downloading Catalina from the App Store again. If that doesn't work, try Mark2016MG's method again - don't worry about it being "for an unsupported Mac." It will download the Catalina install app for you. Before you do that, if you do it, watch this video. You can skip to the 7 min mark to see how to use the tool to download Catalina.: