Macos High Sierra The Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted

macOS High Sierra: The Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted – Troubleshooting Guide

This frustrating error message, "The recovery server could not be contacted," often appears when attempting to access macOS High Sierra's Recovery mode. This prevents you from reinstalling the operating system, restoring from Time Machine, or using other recovery tools. This article will guide you through troubleshooting this issue and getting your Mac back on track. We'll cover various solutions, from simple checks to more advanced techniques.

Understanding the Error

The error indicates that your Mac can't connect to Apple's recovery servers, which provide the necessary files for the recovery process. This isn't necessarily a problem with your Mac itself, but rather a connectivity issue. This could stem from problems with your internet connection, network configuration, or even server-side issues with Apple's servers.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here's a step-by-step guide to resolve the "recovery server could not be contacted" error in macOS High Sierra:

1. Check Your Internet Connection:

• Wired Connection: If using Ethernet, ensure the cable is securely connected to both your Mac and your router/modem. Try a different cable if possible.
• Wi-Fi Connection: Verify your Wi-Fi is working correctly. Try connecting other devices to your network to rule out a network-wide problem. Restart your router and modem.

2. Internet Access During Startup:

Many users forget to check whether they're even connecting to the internet during startup. A slow connection or one that comes up after the initial recovery attempts may be causing the problem. If possible, try connecting to a wired internet connection, as it is more stable than wifi.

3. Boot into Recovery Mode Correctly:

• Power Off and Restart: Completely shut down your Mac before attempting to enter recovery mode.
• Correct Key Combination: Hold down Command + R immediately after powering on. This is crucial; releasing the keys too early or too late can lead to failure. Continue holding until the Apple logo or progress bar appears.

4. Try Different Recovery Options:

macOS High Sierra offers several recovery options. Try using these instead of the standard internet recovery:

• Command + Option + R: This boots into the latest macOS compatible with your Mac's hardware. This is useful if you've previously updated your Mac and have a backup of the OS available on the server.
• Shift + Option + Command + R: This boots into Recovery Mode using the original OS that came with your Mac. This is ideal if you've made significant changes to your system.

5. Check for Hardware Issues:

• RAM: Faulty RAM can sometimes interfere with network connectivity during startup. Try testing your RAM if possible.
• Network Adapter: A failing network adapter could prevent your Mac from connecting to the recovery servers. If you suspect this might be the case, you may need professional help.

6. Create a Bootable Installer:

If all else fails, consider creating a bootable installer on another Mac. This involves downloading the macOS High Sierra installer (if still available through Apple support pages) onto a USB drive and booting your affected Mac from the USB drive. This is an advanced step requiring some technical knowledge.

7. Seek Professional Help:

If you've exhausted all other options, it's time to seek professional assistance from an Apple Authorized Service Provider or a qualified computer technician. They can diagnose and resolve more complex hardware or software issues.

Prevention:

Regularly backing up your data using Time Machine is the best way to prevent data loss and avoid the need for recovery mode entirely. A good backup strategy is crucial for maintaining a healthy and functional macOS system.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to overcome the "recovery server could not be contacted" error and successfully recover your macOS High Sierra system. Remember to be patient and persistent, as resolving this issue might take time.