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Cannot install anything on my Mac or update OS + Wheel of death when trying to open 'Security and Preferences'

Hi,


I have spent countless hours researching what the fix for this might be but nothing has worked. I am unable to install third-party downloads/programs/apps from any online source and cannot download anything from the app store. Third-party downloads from within my web browser will download but fail when I try to install them. Apps from the app store will say that they have downloaded but they don't. The same with OS and Mac-supplied auto-updates, they will appear in the auto-update box, download, start to install and then the same update will disappear and reappear in the auto-update box, having not actually been installed. I cannot update my Mac OS either. This problem has been ongoing for well over a year.


I am also unable to access 'Security and Privacy' under 'System Preferences' without the Mac basicly crashing, everything running incredibly slow, the wheel of death appearing and staying, and not being able to do anything unless I restart the Mac OR if I effectively 'ctrl+alt+del' and wait an ungodly amount of time for the window to appear and allow me to close 'System Preferences', at which point it will then run normally again.


I have previously factory reset my Mac and reinstalled with Time Machine, which worked for a month or two (allowing me to install and update anything I wanted) but then the problem started again.


I am stuck with Mac OS 'Big Sur 11.7.2' and unable to update.


I have a late 2013 Mac Book Pro (A1502) - Any help would be appreciated.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 18, 2023 2:47 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jan 19, 2023 6:57 AM

Firstly " I have a late 2013 Mac Book Pro (A1502) " and this computer can Only run Big Sur at the most.


macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers


Secondly, the current stable version of Big Sur is in fact version 11.7.2


So until there is another update ( if at all ) to Big Sur the computer is current.


As for the Other Ongoing Issues.


When the computer was Wiped and Reinstalled and then the TM Backup was used to bring back ( presume ) everything from Before the Wipe took place.


Whatever existed when the TM Backup was last done would have been Re-Introduced back into the Otherwise Virginal and Pristine Installation.


The above would have Negated all the previous hard work that was done.


Suggestion and optional - redone the Wipe and Re-Installation and Only bring the " User Account " and nothing else


Alternative below >>>


If the user whats the latest and greatest versions of macOS, iOS  all is not lost.


If the user wishes to explore the Apple Trade-In  Process where the Value of the exiting device could be used against the cost of a new Apple Computer, iPhone or iPad  


Or Shop Refurbished Apple computers at an Apple Reduced Cost


Have used both previously and have been satisfied each time.


Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jan 19, 2023 6:57 AM in response to alistair270

Firstly " I have a late 2013 Mac Book Pro (A1502) " and this computer can Only run Big Sur at the most.


macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers


Secondly, the current stable version of Big Sur is in fact version 11.7.2


So until there is another update ( if at all ) to Big Sur the computer is current.


As for the Other Ongoing Issues.


When the computer was Wiped and Reinstalled and then the TM Backup was used to bring back ( presume ) everything from Before the Wipe took place.


Whatever existed when the TM Backup was last done would have been Re-Introduced back into the Otherwise Virginal and Pristine Installation.


The above would have Negated all the previous hard work that was done.


Suggestion and optional - redone the Wipe and Re-Installation and Only bring the " User Account " and nothing else


Alternative below >>>


If the user whats the latest and greatest versions of macOS, iOS  all is not lost.


If the user wishes to explore the Apple Trade-In  Process where the Value of the exiting device could be used against the cost of a new Apple Computer, iPhone or iPad  


Or Shop Refurbished Apple computers at an Apple Reduced Cost


Have used both previously and have been satisfied each time.


Mar 1, 2023 3:51 AM in response to alistair270

If you are unable to install any new programs or update your Mac's operating system (OS), and you see the "spinning wheel of death" when trying to open Security and Preferences, it may be caused by a variety of issues. Some possible causes include:

  1. Insufficient storage space: Make sure that you have enough storage space on your Mac to install new programs or update the OS.
  2. Corrupted system files: The issue could be caused by corrupted system files on your Mac. Try running the "Disk Utility" and use the "Repair Disk" function to check for and repair any corrupted files.
  3. Malware: Your Mac may be infected with malware, which can prevent you from installing new programs or updating the OS. Use an anti-malware program to scan your Mac and remove any malware.
  4. Outdated software: Make sure that your Mac's software is up to date. You can check for updates by going to the "App Store" and clicking on the "Updates" tab.
  5. Hardware issues: The problem could be caused by hardware issues on your Mac, such as a faulty hard drive or memory. Run the Apple Hardware Test or take it to the Apple Store if possible.

If none of these solutions solve the problem, you may need to try more advanced troubleshooting methods, such as restoring your Mac from a Time Machine backup or reinstalling the OS. It's also recommended to backup your important data before taking any steps.


[Link Edited by Moderator]


Cannot install anything on my Mac or update OS + Wheel of death when trying to open 'Security and Preferences'

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