Unable to create Bootable Installer for macOS Sierra 'libc++abi.dylib: terminating with uncaught exception of type NSException' error [closed]

Question

I have tried to create a bootable installer for macOS Sierra to use on my MacBook Air that is broken and needs to reinstall macOS (The macOS X Lion installer that comes with the Macbook is broken and says it is unable to install additional components needed to install macOS).

I have tried to follow these instructions; https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372 but they haven't worked.

I used this code in the terminal: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Backup --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app

(The drive I am trying to use is called 'Backup' and has been erased to become a 'macOS Extended (Journaled)' type drive.) After entering my password and waiting for about two minutes I receive this error:

"2019-11-05 11:07:18.778 createinstallmedia[21078:275343]

*** Terminating app due to uncaught exception 'NSInternalInconsistencyException', reason: 'Couldn't posix_spawn: error 35'

*** First throw call stack:

(

0   CoreFoundation                      0x00007fff360dcf53 __exceptionPreprocess + 250

1   libobjc.A.dylib                     0x00007fff6c1ac835 objc_exception_throw + 48

2   Foundation                          0x00007fff38715fd5 -[NSConcreteTask launchWithDictionary:error:] + 5014

3   Foundation                          0x00007fff387235a5 +[NSTask launchedTaskWithLaunchPath:arguments:] + 153

4   createinstallmedia                  0x00000001087f2968 createinstallmedia + 6504

5   libdyld.dylib                       0x00007fff6d50f2e5 start + 1

)

libc++abi.dylib: terminating with uncaught exception of type NSException"

It is expected to look more like: https://support.apple.com/library/content/dam/edam/applecare/images/en_US/macos/macos-high-sierra-terminal-create-bootable-installer.png

Lycanthrope

I have come across with same issue, have you found any solution for this? – Tabitha

@Tabitha Unfortunately I have not found a solution for the issue yet but I am still looking. – Lycanthrope

Having the exact same issue. – Gramophone

Anyone manage to solve this? – Goldiegoldilocks

Answer 1

I found a solution that worked for me.

I am using a 2017 MacBook Pro with Catalina, and the solution is a combination of a similar resolved issue on iFixIt forums and using unofficial downloads of the macOS Sierra DMG file.

1. Download the DMG for Sierra here: https://themacgo.com/macos-sierra-10-12-6-dmg-mac-free-download/

2. Mount the DMG file, and copy the Installer macOS Sierra.app file to /Application

3. Open Terminal and write sudo su, and enter your password when asked.

4. Run the command /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/[YOUR VOLUME]/ --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/ (Replace [YOUR VOLUME] with your actual volume.

5. Press Y to confirm when asked to format the volume.

You will run into an issue during installation when the installer will say it is damaged. A simple hack worked for me, thanks to this video on YouTube. Simply do the following:

1. In the menu, select Utilities and then Terminal.

2. Set the date back in time when the installer should be working. I just randomly picked a date two years back: date 0416218002018. The format is date MMDDhhmmYYYY.

3. Run the installation and it works!

Goldiegoldilocks

It worked for me! On my late 2011 MacBook Pro, I had to set date 041618002012 before it allows me to install – Transpontine

Answer 2

This works for me, I found it in an Apple forum:

With Install macOS Sierra.app in the Applications folder open Terminal and copy and paste this 
  sudo plutil -replace CFBundleShortVersionString -string "12.6.03" /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Info.plist 
 press Return enter your password press Return 
 now enter the createinstallmedia command for Sierra in Terminal (MyVolume is Apples default name for a USB but you can enter the name of your USB in there. 
 sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app  
 press Return and follow the prompts.

Whaleboat

It worked. Do you happen to know what the solution does, and why it is needed? Thanks – Sugar

@Sugar it edits a text config file inside the installer called "Info.plist" and changes the version of the bundle. Not sure why it fixes it, but it also worked for me. The change itself is harmless. But to anyone here in 2024: remember the latest version is Sonoma, not Sierra. Don't be like me :D – Bischoff