Fixing Boot Loop Issue When Selecting Bootable Drive in OpenCore

Hackintosh Guide: Troubleshooting Boot Loop When Selecting Bootable Drive in OpenCore

If you're experiencing a boot loop when selecting the bootable drive in OpenCore on your 2016 MacBook Pro while trying to install macOS Sonoma via Legacy Patcher, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

1. Check EFI Configuration:

   • Ensure that your EFI folder is correctly configured for your hardware and macOS Sonoma installation.
   • Double-check the config.plist settings, kexts, drivers, and ACPI patches to ensure they are compatible and properly set up.

2. Boot Arguments:

   • Adjust boot arguments in the config.plist file to see if any specific boot arguments are causing the boot loop.
   • Experiment with different boot arguments related to graphics, kernel, or ACPI to potentially resolve the issue.

3. Verify Legacy Patcher Compatibility:

   • Confirm that the Legacy Patcher version you are using is compatible with your specific MacBook Pro model and the macOS Sonoma version you're trying to install.
   • Visit the Legacy Patcher support forums or documentation to check for any known issues or compatibility limitations.

4. Reset NVRAM:

   • Reset the Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) on your MacBook Pro by restarting it and immediately holding down Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup chime twice.
   • This will reset NVRAM settings, which may help resolve boot-related issues.

5. USB Configuration:

   • Ensure that your USB installation drive is properly formatted and contains the necessary macOS Sonoma installer files.
   • Try using a different USB drive or recreating the installation media to rule out any issues with the USB drive itself.

6. Safe Boot:

   • Attempt to boot your MacBook Pro in Safe Boot mode by holding down the Shift key during startup.
   • Safe Boot disables non-essential kernel extensions and may help isolate the cause of the boot loop.

7. Hardware Checks:

   • Perform hardware diagnostics on your MacBook Pro to check for any potential hardware issues that may be causing the boot loop.
   • Ensure that all hardware components are functioning properly, including the storage drive and RAM.

8. Community Support:

   • Seek assistance from the Legacy Patcher community forums, Discord channels, or Reddit communities for additional troubleshooting help.
   • Experienced users may provide valuable insights and solutions based on their own experiences with similar setups.

By following these troubleshooting steps and seeking assistance from the Legacy Patcher community, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the boot loop issue when selecting the bootable drive in OpenCore on your 2016 MacBook Pro. If the issue persists, don't hesitate to seek further assistance from the community.