How to Repair Corrupted Installer Information on the Recovery Server?

The error message "Installer information on the recovery server is damaged" prevents you from reinstalling your operating system, specifically macOS, when attempting to do so. This issue obstructs the completion of the macOS reinstallation process.

If you're encountering this error, it doesn't necessarily imply a serious underlying issue; it is often due to compatibility problems. Thankfully, regardless of your reason for re-installing macOS or the root cause of the error, there are stress-free solutions to address this problem. This guide comprehensively covers everything from the source of the error to the steps to fix the installer error.

Why Does the Installer Information on the Recovery Server Appear as a Damaged Error?

Several factors could contribute to errors. Below are the causes of the error "Installer information on the recovery server is damaged."

1. Mac Certificate is Outdated This means that the certificate used to authenticate or secure software on a Mac device has reached its expiration date and needs to be updated. Certificates are used to ensure that the software comes from a trusted source and has not been tampered with. To resolve this issue, you should update the certificate by obtaining a new one from the appropriate authority or, in some cases, through the software's settings or update mechanism.

Mac assigns a unique certificate to its users as part of their digital identity. If your Mac certificate has expired, Apple's servers might fail to verify it during installation, resulting in the error. This certificate has an expiration date, and users need to renew it to fully utilize Apple's services without any issues.

When your certificate is outdated, you're restricted to functionalities like reinstalling macOS, since Apple cannot verify your digital identity.

2. Incompatibility between MacOS and the Hard Disk

With the release of the macOS Sierra version, Apple introduced a new hard disk format known as APFS (Apple File System) format. Only Macs with the newer hard drive format are compatible with macOS versions later than Sierra. This incompatibility might lead to the error prompting you to reinstall macOS on your Mac.

How to Resolve "The Installer Information on the Recovery Server is Damaged"? [Boot from Recovery Mode]

If this issue has occurred on your Mac, there is a solution available. It is advisable to promptly boot and reinstall macOS from Recovery Mode.

Before you begin, ensure your Mac has a strong internet connection and is connected to a power source to prevent unexpected battery drain during the process.

Follow these steps below to start macOS in Recovery Mode:

Step 1. Turn off your Mac and restart it after it has fully shut down.

Step 2. While starting your Mac, press and hold these keys depending on the type of installation:

• Command + R: To reinstall the most recent macOS.
• Option + Command + R: To update to the most compatible macOS version for your device.
• Shift + Option + Command + R: Install the macOS version that came with your device or the one prior to the error occurrence.

Step 3. Continue holding the keys until you see the Apple logo.

Step 4. Type your administrative password to access the Utilities screen.

Step 5. From the Utilities screen, select the Reinstall macOS icon.

Step 6. Click on "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 7. Select the appropriate disk on which you want to install the system files for macOS.

Step 8. If you're asked to unlock the hard drive, enter the password you normally use to log in to your Mac and finish the installation.

If you noticed that the installation didn’t complete and showed an error, you need to erase your Mac’s hard disk.

Conclusion

When encountering the error message "Installer information on the recovery server is damaged," you will be unable to proceed with the reinstallation of your macOS. Several factors might contribute to this issue. This error typically appears when your Mac's certificate is no longer valid, which hinders Apple from verifying your digital identity. Additionally, incompatibility between macOS and your hard disk could also trigger the error. Irrespective of the specific error or its cause, by following these steps to address the issue when booting or reinstalling macOS from Recovery Mode, the problem should be resolved promptly.

Frequently Asked Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions regarding the Mac installer error, find answers in the FAQs below:

1. How to resolve the "Recovery Server Could Not Be Contacted" error on a Mac?

To install a macOS update, your Mac requires establishing a connection with Apple's servers. When you encounter the error message "the recovery server could not be contacted" on your Mac, it indicates a failed connection. Here are some steps to resolve this issue: 1. **Check Internet Connection**: Ensure that your Mac has a stable internet connection. You can do this by testing the connection with other devices or websites. If necessary, restart your router or modem. 2. **Reset Network Settings**: Go to System Preferences > Network, select your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click the "Advanced" button. In the TCP/IP tab, click "Renew DHCP Lease" if using Wi-Fi, or "Release" and then "Renew" if connected via Ethernet. Close the windows and restart your Mac. 3. **Date & Time Settings**: Make sure your Mac's date and time settings are accurate. Go to System Preferences > Date & Time, and ensure the automatic time zone and clock sync are enabled. 4. **Clear Cache**: Open Terminal (found in /Applications/Utilities/) and enter the following command: ``` sudo rm -rf /Library/Caches/com.appleSoftwareUpdate/* ``` Enter your admin password when prompted and confirm the action. 5. **Try Again**: Restart your Mac and attempt to install the update again. 6. **Safe Boot**: If the above steps don't work, try starting your Mac in Safe Mode. Press and hold the Shift key while your Mac starts up. Once in Safe Mode, check for updates. This can help rule out any software conflicts. 7. **Contact Apple Support**: If all else fails, reach out to [Apple Support](https://getsupport.apple.com/) for further assistance or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Remember to backup your important data before applying any system updates to prevent potential data loss.

Step 1. Check Your Network Connection

Step 2. Make sure to check your date and time on your Mac

Step 3. Utilize the macOS Installer

Step 4. Attempt to reinstall or update your macOS.

Step 5. Reinstall macOS after you've erased your Mac disk.

2. How can the issue of Mac Internet Recovery not functioning be resolved?

Before reinstalling macOS in Recovery mode, you might need to erase everything from your Mac's drive. It's crucial to create a backup of your important data beforehand.

Step 1. Turn off your Mac.

Step 2. To boot your Mac into Recovery Mode, press the Power button and quickly hold down Command-R.

Step 3. Use Disk Utility to erase your Mac's disk.

Step 4. Finally, return to Recovery Mode and choose to reinstall macOS.

3. Will I lose my data if I reinstall macOS from recovery? If you reinstall macOS from Recovery, your personal data will generally not be affected as long as you don't choose the "Erase All Content and Settings" option during the installation process. The reinstallation typically preserves your documents, photos, music, and other user files. However, it's crucial to back up your important data before proceeding with any system reinstall, just to be safe. You can use Time Machine or other backup solutions for this purpose.

Your data remains secure if you don't erase the drive while reinstalling macOS from recovery.