Depending on when and where the installer was downloaded, the instructions changed recently; comparatively new instructions for El Capitan to get and run the Installer (that then goes to App store for the actual download of macOS) while not knowing what you have, this other recent thread has link with newer El Capitan instructions and perhaps patched installer.
No packages were eligible for install. This thread is archived. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be. No packages were eligible for install. Posted by 8 months ago. No packages were eligible for install. This thread is archived. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. No packages were eligible for install. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance. Quit the installed to restart your computer and try again. I tried using 'Internet Recovery' (Option+Command+R) and a bootable USB drive that contained El Capitan, both of which ultimately failed with the same message. Is there a way to get this to work? IMac 2008 clean install El Capitan No packages were eligible for install. The date fix didnt work for me. Only bootable usb El Capitan. When the OS X installer complains that 'No packages were eligible for install' and displays this window: don't restart your Mac. Turn Wi-Fi off or unplug the Ethernet cord, depending on your configuration, to prevent your Mac from connecting to the Internet: Select UtilitiesTerminal: Click the window that appears. Install in Recovery Mode.
Note reply from Eau Rouge, first reply here:
This newer installer has different URL to get a package from App store:
'If you still need OS X El Capitan, use this link: Download OS X El Capitan.
A file named InstallMacOSX.dmg will download to your Mac.'
So there are others with similar issues; and some newer ideas may be answers.
Nov 19, 2019 12:35 AM
Step 4: Install macOS High Sierra The second item from the top of the macOS Utilities screen is “Install macOS”. Select this item by clicking on it, then click on Continue. In the installer screen, select “Macintosh HD” (or whatever your boot drive is actually named) as the disk for macOS High Sierra to be installed on. A: Check to make sure your Install macOS High Sierra App is the correct one. It should be around 5GB in size. If you used the 'Skip App Verification' option, you have most likely selected an invalid app that doesn't contain the necessary files. Q: I cannot open my copy of Install macOS High Sierra. Jun 21, 2016 Installing El Capiton on an old Mac Book Pro today, I received the error: OS X could not be installed on your computer. No packages were eligible for install. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance. Quit the installer to restart your computer and try again.
When the warning “macOS could not be installed on your computer” or “The path /System/Installation/Packages/OSInstall.mpkg appears to be missing or damaged” is thrown during a macOS High Sierra install on a hackintosh it’s usually caused by one of two things.
I first noticed this problem when installing the High Sierra 10.13 Supplement Update (17A405) and only happens when installing macOS over an Intel iGPU or a Nvidia GPU.
The cause of the error is usually one of two things: GPU or SMBIOS. Here’s how to fix both:
1. Graphical Cause
If you got this error when installing macOS with an Intel iGPU or Nvidia GPU then it’s likely you have EmuVariableUefi-64.efi in your EFI partition. This driver can cause an issue during the install of High Sierra which can produce the above error and removing it will remove the error.
- Mount your EFI partition using Clover Configurator
- Navigate to EFI/Clover/Drivers64UEFI/
- Delete EmuVariableUefi-64.efi
- Restart and try to complete the installer again
If this solves the error. Add EmuVariableUefi-64.efi back into your EFI folder if you plan to use a dedicated graphics card by opening your config.plist in Clover Configurator and selecting Install Drivers on the left column menu.
2. SMBIOS Cause
If the errormacOS could not be installed on your computer persists after removing EmuVariableUefi-64.efi, then a bad SMBIOS setting could be what’s behind it. If the SMBIOS spoof is too old (i.e. 2011 or earlier) the installer will detect that the “Mac” as too old to run High Sierra. Verify the spoofed SMBIOS being used is based on a Mac that came out in 2012+ or later. The SMBIOS spoof can be changed in Clover Configurator.
If the installer can’t match the firmware and BIOS version with known values the error will also be thrown. Generate a new SMBIOS using Clover Configurator to fix the firmware issue, then restart your hackintosh and try the installer again.
3. System Time Cause
If the time in BIOS does not match the apple time of your installer this error can be thrown if it’s outside the macOS Installer’s allowed tolerance. For example if you are using a motherboard/laptop that’s been in storage awhile the system time may not match the installer’s time.
See:For anyone who can’t install macOS because “the Installer is Damaged”
4. NVRAM Cause
If you are updating from an earlier version of macOS and getting this error you can try clearing out the NVRAM.
- Open Terminal & type:
sudo nvram -c
5. Dirty Drive Cause
The drive you are installing macOS could be the source of the problem and this was the cause with an install I recently did. I tried installing High Sierra 10.13.2 on an old drive running Sierra 10.12.6. Despite it being a separate partition no matter what I did I was still getting the error. I then decided that it must have been the drive itself because and it was. Skin packs for mac os x.
I backed up all my files on a separate drive to transfer back later and used Disk Utility to erase the drive I wanted to install High Sierra. That did the trick and I was able to complete the install without getting the error.
Check compatibility
You can upgrade to macOS High Sierra from OS X Mountain Lion or later on any of the following Mac models. Your Mac also needs at least 2GB of memory and 14.3GB of available storage space.
MacBook introduced in late 2009 or later
MacBook Air introduced in late 2010 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in mid 2010 or later
Mac mini introduced in mid 2010 or later
iMac introduced in late 2009 or later
Mac Pro introduced in mid 2010 or later
To find your Mac model, memory, storage space and macOS version, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu . If your Mac isn’t compatible with macOS High Sierra, the installer will let you know.
Make a backup
Before installing any upgrade, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Get connected
Mac No Packages Were Eligible For Install
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you’re using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.
Download macOS High Sierra
For the strongest security and latest features, find out whether you can upgrade to macOS Catalina, the latest version of the Mac operating system.
If you still need macOS High Sierra, use this App Store link: Get macOS High Sierra.
Macos Mojave No Packages Were Eligible For Install
Begin installation
After downloading, the installer opens automatically.
Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
Mac High Sierra No Packages Were Eligible For Install Windows
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Allow installation to complete
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.
Mac High Sierra No Packages Were Eligible For Install Hackintosh
Learn more
How To Install Macos Mojave
- If you have hardware or software that isn’t compatible with High Sierra, you might be able to install an earlier macOS, such as Sierra or El Capitan.
- macOS High Sierra won’t install on top of a later version of macOS, but you can erase your disk first or install on another disk.
- You can use macOS Recovery to reinstall macOS.