How to Fix Installer Information on The Recovery Server Is Damaged?

Are you a Mac user experiencing a common challenge of The installer information on the recovery server being damaged? In this article, you learn why the installer information error occurred and the right approach to fix the problem in a detailed manner.

The error "Installer information on the recovery server is damaged" restricts you from reinstalling your operating system while trying to reinstall macOS. You cannot complete the reinstallation of your macOS when you encounter the error "Installer information on the recovery server is damaged."

If you're experiencing the error it's not an indication of a severe underlying problem but is often caused by incompatibility. Fortunately, whatever your reason for reinstalling macOS or the cause of the error, there are methods to resolve this problem without stress. This guide covers everything from the cause of the error to steps to eliminate the installer error.

Why Is Installer Information on the Recovery Server a Damaged Error occur?

Various factors might lead to errors. Here are the causes of the error "Installer information on the recovery server is damaged."

1. Mac Certificate is Outdated

Mac provides a unique certificate to its users as part of their digital identity. So, if your Mac certificate has expired, Apple servers could not verify it while installing, which may lead to the error. There's an expiration for this certificate, and users need to renew it to enjoy Apple's features fully.

You're limited to features like macOS reinstallation when your certificate is outdated, as Apple cannot verify your digital identity.

2. Incompatibility of MacOS with the Hard Disk

With the release of the macOS Sierra edition, Mac has introduced a new hard disk format called APFS format. The only Macs that support versions beyond Sierra are those with the new hard drive format. Due to this inconsistency, you might be getting the error to reinstall macOS on your Mac.

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

There's a solution obtainable if this problem has occurred on your Mac. It would be best to boot/reinstall macOS from recovery mode as soon as possible.

Ensure your Mac has a strong internet connection and is plugged into a power source before you start to prevent an unexpected loss of battery power during the process.

Follow these steps below to start macOS from recovery mode:

Step 1. Shut down your Mac and start it again after shutting it down.

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

• Command + R: To reinstall recent macOS.
• Option + Command + R: To upgrade to the recent macOS version that's compatible with your device.
• Shift + Option + Command + R: Get the macOS version you had on your device at purchase or before the error.

Step 3. Keep pressing the keys until Apple's logo appears.

Step 4. Enter your administrative password to gain access to the Utilities Screen.

Step 5. From the Utilities Screen options, choose the reinstall macOS icon.

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

Step 7. Choose the appropriate disk on which you wish to install the system files for macOS.

Step 8. If you're instructed to unlock the hard disk, enter the password you usually use to log in to your mac and complete the installation. 

If you noticed the installation was not completed, with an error message, you have to erase the hard disk of your Mac.

Conclusion

When you experience the error "Installer information on the recovery server is damaged," you'll be unable to complete the reinstallation of your macOS. Some factors might lead to these errors. This error is displayed when your Mac certificate is outdated, preventing Apple from verifying your digital identity. Also, the incompatibility of MacOS with the hard disk might cause the error. Regardless of the error or the cause, If you follow these steps to fix the error when you boot/reinstall macOS from recovery mode, the problem will be fixed as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked FAQs

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

1. How to fix the recovery server that could not be contacted error on mac?

To install a macOS update, your Mac needs to build a connection with Apple's server. There's a failed connection with Apple's server when the error "the recovery server could not be contacted" is displayed on your Mac. Follow these steps to fix the error:

Step 1. Check Your Network Connection

Step 2. Ensure you check your date and time on Mac

Step 3. Make use of the macOS Installer

Step 4. Try to reinstall or Update your macOS

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

2. How can Mac internet recovery not working be fixed?

You might need to delete everything from your Mac drive before installing macOS again in recovery mode. You'll have to create a Mac backup for your essential data.

Step 1. Shut down your Mac.

Step 2. To start your Mac in recovery mode, hit the Power button and immediately press and hold Command-R.

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

Step 4. Finally, return to recovery mode, then choose to reinstall macOS.

3. Will I lose my data if I reinstall macOS from recovery?

Your data are safe if you don't erase your drive when reinstalling macOS from recovery.