MacBook Pro external drive: this computer is missing a firmware partition

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Level 1

8 points

MacBook Pro external drive: this computer is missing a firmware partition

Trying to upgrade from Sierra 10.12.8 to Catalina. Can't choose external hard drive because it says "this computer is missing a firmware partition. My hard drive died and I bought an external one to use as my startup disk. Worked great and reinstalled Yosemite (it's an old MacBook Pro!). From there, I upgraded to Sierra. I'm now trying to upgrade to Catalina so that I can use my Adobe Creative Suite apps. But when I choose my external hard drive it gives me the message "You man not install to this volume because the computer is missing a firmware partition." I have no idea what to do now.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Nov 19, 2024 10:57 AM

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Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

195,681 points

Nov 19, 2024 8:21 PM in response to stephk78

stephk78 Said:

"MacBook Pro external drive: this computer is missing a firmware partition"

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Transfer this Data:

Are you trying to backup your Mac here? Or are you looking to transfer data? You can transfer this using Migration Assistant. So you that, you need to create a Time Machine Backup. And to do that, you'd need to format the hard drive accordingly. So, for Sierra, APFS is what format to use. Perform this formatting in Disk Utility.

Reinstall the macOS:

Nothing would be lost. It's just that misplaced items would be placed back to where they should be and corrupt system files would be replaced by clean files. Go Here: Reinstall macOS - Apple Support. Use the third bulleted method: [command + r]. Important: Prior to installing an update or performing a reinstallation, to prevent data loss, be sure to Back up your Mac with Time Machine.

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