Mac on Windows using VirtualBox ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2021, 01:11:34 pm
content: I'venevertouched a Mac in my life!, and only want to look around & play with it, forgeneral education.Now I've seen NUMEROUS Sites explaining all the steps, including many YouTube videos, but have not had success...My Windows laptop has 2 large drives, and 24gb RAM. I've had no problems setting upVirtualBox, including the latestAddOnsModule.As per numerous instructions/sites, I've initially set up the "MacOS High Sierra 10.13" Virtual Device, using all the specified settings etc,with the exception of offering even 'more' RAM and HardDrive space than the basic amounts required, as I have the availability. All thatseems fine!, and after specifying the (various versions downloaded!).ISOfile that Mac OS, and clicking on 'Start', it seems to be bootingjust fine from the .iso and starts streaming command lines on the screen, eventually 'Starting' an'Apple' GUIWindow asking for the Language.(I'm assuming that so far, all this is just loaded into a Virtual RAM Drive!)Then, still within the Apple GUI, it comes up with a Menu, to Install, & also to select Disk Utilities which I was told to select first, at that stage,and to Format the 'Drive' I had allocated. (Assuming it is also making it compatible for a Mac!!). All doneOK, & back to the menu, to 'Install'After initiating the final 'Install', that's when the shit hits the fan!!It pops up a message box, saying..."This copy of the install MacOS High Sierra application is damaged and can't be used to install MacOS"Now, after searching on Google about this precise problem, numerous Sites stated that this is actually a LIE, (about being 'damaged'), and it isactually due to Apple trying to STOP people from trying to install older versions, date-wise, and they explained variouswork-arounds!(Yay!!)...Now Iforgot to mention earlier, that after initially setting up the 'Virtual Device', you have to completely close down VirtualBox, and from a CMDshell with Administrator rights, enter/copy & execute the following lines... (I found/tried a few versions)...cd "C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\"VBoxManage.exe modifyvm "macOS 10.13 High Sierra" --cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbffVBoxManage setextradata "macOS 10.13 High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct" "iMac11,3"VBoxManage setextradata "macOS 10.13 High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemVersion" "1.0"VBoxManage setextradata "macOS 10.13 High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiBoardProduct" "Iloveapple"VBoxManage setextradata "macOS 10.13 High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/DeviceKey" "ourhardworkbythesewordsguardedpleasedontsteal(c)AppleComputerInc"VBoxManage setextradata "macOS 10.13 High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC" 1I had DONE this, as requested, which sets additional parameters to the Virtual set-up, that can't be done in the VirtualBox GUI.Evidently, it helps 'fool' the MacOS that it is going to a 'real' Mac computer!! This was all done, before trying the final 'Install'Now theirmain Work-Around'consisted of extracting the contents of the initial MacOS .ISO, and finding a file called 'installinfo.plist'which was in the...\Install macOS High Sierra.app\Contents\SharedSupport\folder. Using (trying) VARIOUS ISO tools, I found andDELETED this file, (that was their commonsolutionthat is supposed to work!), and then re-created anew .ISO! (But alas !!!)...It NOW won't boot at all, it seems, because it's no longer a BOOTABLE .ISO !!! (Aaarrgghh...)I've looked for/tried many utilities, but I seem to have no way to make a 'Bootable' .iso to install this MacOS with, without a 'Mac' !!??Any help would be much appreciated!!

author: PushUp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 07:05:38 am
content: I am using "Ubuntu Focal Fossa" together with "VirtualBox" and "VMware Workstation".As far as I am concerned "VirtualBox" is the best proggy for "virtual Linux and virtual Windows machines" - especially for "Windows 7 offline", as you will never ever have a problem with the Aero-Design in contrast to "VMware Workstation". There is no problem having both installed, you can even use them parallel:On the left monitor is "Win7 Offline within VirtualBox" and on the right monitor is "Win98 within VMware Workstaion" both running under linux:However, when you want to use any "macOS" the best possible way is the use of "VMware Workstation", by the way: you will never get the same power, as with other virtual machines, but it works in order to mess around with macOS within a virtual machine. In this case "VirtualBox" is much too awkward to use for macOS, it is not worth to torture yourself!The best thing with "VMware Workstation" is the unofficial tool "Unlocker 3.0.3 for VMware Workstation", which does anything you need, so that you get an additional entry for Apple Virtual Machines.You will find the macOS-ISO for "VMware Workstation", thus there should not be any big issue to use it; there are always some little traps to solve, but it is not a big deal!1. DL and install VMware Workstation "VMware-workstation-full-16 1 0-17198959"- you will find a key, won't you?!It is possible to DL directly, without the need to register!This is the german link, but you will find the DL-button:"Workstation 16 Pro for Windows" => "Jetzt herunterladen"https://www.vmware.com/de/products/workstation-pro/workstation-pro-evaluation.html2. execute unlocker as admin via termnal if needed "win-install.cmd": VMware Workstation will be patched and "darwin.iso" downloaded into the folder "tools" within "unlocker-master":Just as as an example, this is the abridged terminal outcome of my linux terminal:Code:ubuntu@ubuntu:~/Schreibtisch/unlocker-master$ sudo chmod +x /home/ubuntu/Schreibtisch/unlocker-master/lnx-install.shubuntu@ubuntu:~/Schreibtisch/unlocker-master$ sudo bash /home/ubuntu/Schreibtisch/unlocker-master/lnx-install.shUnlocker 3.0.3 for VMware Workstation=====================================(c) Dave Parsons 2011-18Creating backup folder...'/usr/lib/vmware/bin/vmware-vmx' -> './backup/vmware-vmx''/usr/lib/vmware/bin/vmware-vmx-debug' -> './backup/vmware-vmx-debug''/usr/lib/vmware/bin/vmware-vmx-stats' -> './backup/vmware-vmx-stats''/usr/lib/vmware/lib/libvmwarebase.so/libvmwarebase.so' -> './backup/libvmwarebase.so'Patching...File: /usr/lib/vmware/bin/vmware-vmxappleSMCTableV0 (smc.version = "0")appleSMCTableV0 Address : 0x103e0c0appleSMCTableV0 Private Key #: 0xF2/242appleSMCTableV0 Public Key #: 0xF0/240appleSMCTableV0 Table : 0x103e0e0+LKS Key:002 0x103e128 +LKS 01 flag 0x90 0x20cbd0 07OSK0 Key Before:241 0x1042460 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x80 0x20cbd0 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK0 Key After:241 0x1042460 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x80 0x20cbd0 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK1 Key Before:242 0x10424a8 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x80 0x20cbd0 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63OSK1 Key After:242 0x10424a8 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x80 0x20cbd0 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63appleSMCTableV1 (smc.version = "1")appleSMCTableV1 Address : 0x10424f0appleSMCTableV1 Private Key #: 0x01B4/436appleSMCTableV1 Public Key #: 0x01B0/432appleSMCTableV1 Table : 0x1042520+LKS Key:004 0x10425f8 +LKS 01 flag 0x90 0x20cbd0 01OSK0 Key Before:435 0x1049f30 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x90 0x20cbd0 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK0 Key After:435 0x1049f30 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x90 0x20cbd0 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK1 Key Before:436 0x1049f78 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x90 0x20cbd0 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63OSK1 Key After:436 0x1049f78 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x90 0x20cbd0 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63Modifying RELA records from: 0x20cbd0 to 0x20cbd0e_shoff: 0x15a72a0 e_shentsize: 0x40 e_shnum:0x29 e_shstrndx:0x28Relocation modified at: 0xd5780...Relocation modified at: 0xd96f8File: /usr/lib/vmware/bin/vmware-vmx-debugappleSMCTableV0 (smc.version = "0")appleSMCTableV0 Address : 0x1414020appleSMCTableV0 Private Key #: 0xF2/242appleSMCTableV0 Public Key #: 0xF0/240appleSMCTableV0 Table : 0x1414040+LKS Key:002 0x1414088 +LKS 01 flag 0x90 0x266e40 07OSK0 Key Before:241 0x14183c0 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x80 0x266e40 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK0 Key After:241 0x14183c0 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x80 0x266e40 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK1 Key Before:242 0x1418408 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x80 0x266e40 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63OSK1 Key After:242 0x1418408 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x80 0x266e40 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63appleSMCTableV1 (smc.version = "1")appleSMCTableV1 Address : 0x1418450appleSMCTableV1 Private Key #: 0x01B4/436appleSMCTableV1 Public Key #: 0x01B0/432appleSMCTableV1 Table : 0x1418480+LKS Key:004 0x1418558 +LKS 01 flag 0x90 0x266e40 01OSK0 Key Before:435 0x141fe90 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x90 0x266e40 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK0 Key After:435 0x141fe90 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x90 0x266e40 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK1 Key Before:436 0x141fed8 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x90 0x266e40 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63OSK1 Key After:436 0x141fed8 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x90 0x266e40 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63Modifying RELA records from: 0x266e40 to 0x266e40e_shoff: 0x1c84270 e_shentsize: 0x40 e_shnum:0x29 e_shstrndx:0x28Relocation modified at: 0xd7e80...Relocation modified at: 0xdbdf8File: /usr/lib/vmware/bin/vmware-vmx-statsappleSMCTableV0 (smc.version = "0")appleSMCTableV0 Address : 0x10ef7c0appleSMCTableV0 Private Key #: 0xF2/242appleSMCTableV0 Public Key #: 0xF0/240appleSMCTableV0 Table : 0x10ef7e0+LKS Key:002 0x10ef828 +LKS 01 flag 0x90 0x23c360 07OSK0 Key Before:241 0x10f3b60 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x80 0x23c360 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK0 Key After:241 0x10f3b60 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x80 0x23c360 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK1 Key Before:242 0x10f3ba8 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x80 0x23c360 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63OSK1 Key After:242 0x10f3ba8 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x80 0x23c360 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63appleSMCTableV1 (smc.version = "1")appleSMCTableV1 Address : 0x10f3bf0appleSMCTableV1 Private Key #: 0x01B4/436appleSMCTableV1 Public Key #: 0x01B0/432appleSMCTableV1 Table : 0x10f3c20+LKS Key:004 0x10f3cf8 +LKS 01 flag 0x90 0x23c360 01OSK0 Key Before:435 0x10fb630 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x90 0x23c360 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK0 Key After:435 0x10fb630 OSK0 32 ch8* 0x90 0x23c360 6F 75 72 68 61 72 64 77 6F 72 6B 62 79 74 68 65 73 65 77 6F 72 64 73 67 75 61 72 64 65 64 70 6COSK1 Key Before:436 0x10fb678 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x90 0x23c360 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63OSK1 Key After:436 0x10fb678 OSK1 32 ch8* 0x90 0x23c360 65 61 73 65 64 6F 6E 74 73 74 65 61 6C 28 63 29 41 70 70 6C 65 43 6F 6D 70 75 74 65 72 49 6E 63Modifying RELA records from: 0x23c360 to 0x23c360e_shoff: 0x195f290 e_shentsize: 0x40 e_shnum:0x2b e_shstrndx:0x2aRelocation modified at: 0xda518...Relocation modified at: 0xde490GOS Patching: /usr/lib/vmware/lib/libvmwarebase.so/libvmwarebase.soGOS Patched flag @: 0x7fd5a0...GOS Patched flag @: 0x83ea38GOS Patched: /usr/lib/vmware/lib/libvmwarebase.so/libvmwarebase.soGetting VMware Tools...Trying to get tools from the packages folder...Retrieving Darwin tools from: http://softwareupdate.vmware.com/cds/vmw-desktop/fusion/12.1.0/17195230/packages/com.vmware.fusion.tools.darwin.zip.tarTools aren't here... Be patient while I download and give a look into the core.vmware.fusion.tar fileRetrieving Darwin tools from: http://softwareupdate.vmware.com/cds/vmw-desktop/fusion/12.1.0/17195230/core/com.vmware.fusion.zip.tar...100%, 627 MB, 7015 KB/s, -1 seconds remainingExtracting com.vmware.fusion.zip.tar...Extracting files from com.vmware.fusion.zip...Tools from core retrieved successfullyFinished!Here you can dl unlocker-master:https://github.com/BDisp/unlocker=> Code => DL ZIP3. install macOS, the way it is necessary for "VMware Workstation"=> this is for "el capitan":https://techrechard.com/install-mac-os-x-el-capitan-on-vmware-on-windows/=> and this for Mojave with some links, but it is always the same procedure for any macOS:https://www.aioboot.com/en/macos-vmware-workstation/4. within macOS you have to load the "darwin.iso" into the virtual CD-drive, in order to install "VMware Tools",...As soon as you click save, you get, the message to install it:...to get the drivers you need to run macOS; during this you have to allow it in the security settings and rebootI was always able to update any macOS, however, before doing an upgrade, I do a clone of the former macOS version, to keep it and then do the upgrade with the clone, in case anything gets wrong: "I copied it!" must be clicked, when there will appear a message!Cheers!

author: stevelup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 09:58:27 am
content: Quote from: GlennSprigg on March 25, 2021, 01:11:34 pmThat is just paranoia... It's a date-expired certificate inside the installer that's all. All you've got to do is set the clock back before installation. To suggest this was deliberate rather than an oversight is definite tin-foil hat territory!

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 10:12:56 am
content: Because what you want to do is illegal anyway - at least it does void Apple's terms, why not downloading a torrent with a ready to go MacOS virtual machine. Don't put any sensitive data inside it, though.

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 10:29:28 am
content: It would be far easier to buy a cheap Mac Mini off eBay and use that rather than trying to faff around with VMs and all the compatibility issues they bring.

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 01:30:07 pm
content: Quote from: stevelup on March 28, 2021, 09:58:27 amTo 'PushUp'... I'll thank you, and get to your in-depth &greatanswer shortly, in another answer!!!Firstly to 'stevelup'... I'm aware, as I stated in my original post, that this is a 'Date Expired' issue, after looking up that problem on the Internet.However, I was notParanoid, about the error that was displayed. It specifically stated that "This copy of the install macOS High Sierra applicationisdamagedand can not be used". With no mention of a Date/Version/Timeline issue! That is deceptive, especially for the likes of myself who knowsnothing prior to this whole exercise, about ANY Mac systems, or OS Versions...I had since found out that changing theDateto a 'false' one, alsocircumnavigated this problem,withoutthe suggestedfile 'Edit'I had initially stated.Initially, I changed the date on my Laptop, which didnotwork!!...I then found another Site that explained how to do itduring the setup of the macOS, in the Apple disk utilities window for formatting drives etc...I was able to select from the initial Apple menu a 'Terminal' screen, from which I could use the 'date' command to set a fake 2018 date, just for that specificVirtual M/C, and after that, the 'Install' progressedproperly as it should!!!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 01:38:09 pm
content: Quote from: Bicurico on March 28, 2021, 10:12:56 amYea, I know. However, I'm not personally 'troubled' by ANY legal/illegal issues, as those old OS's are freely available, even from Apple,and I have ZERO commercial gain from simply using an old 'Virtualized' OS purely for self education/interest...'Experts' on the Net agree that... "What would Apple care??"... "Nothing!!"

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 01:52:53 pm
content: And now on to 'PushUp'...Thank youfor your wonderfully descriptive answer, that was beyond the call of duty!!!I havesavedeverything from your Answer, and am reviewing it!!...I'm now perfectly happy with how 'VirtualBox' works, and the things that can be done with it. Now also including the use of 'Virtual' Disk filesthat end with '.vmdk' which take a lot of hard work out of other installations from an '.iso' file!! I've learn't a Shit Load now!!!I've NOW seamlessly & faultlessly ALSO set up a Virtual Machine for 'Linux', (a Ubuntu variation). The version is... 'Ubuntu-Mate'...All went perfectly, and the Specs for that release/version are absolutely incredible, and so easy to use!!!

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 02:14:12 pm
content: Quote from: GlennSprigg on March 28, 2021, 01:38:09 pmWhat I meant is that it is easier to just use a readymade container!I mentioned legality in the sense that it doesn't matter if you download such container as a torrent as it not more illegal than using the virtual machine in the first place.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2021, 03:25:27 pm
content: Quote from: Keith956 on March 28, 2021, 10:29:28 amThat's dangerous, you could get hooked!

author: Wuerstchenhund
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2021, 07:46:44 am
content: Quote from: Keith956 on March 28, 2021, 10:29:28 amIndeed. I just bought a Mac Mini 2012 for £150, it came with 8GB RAM (can be upgraded to 16GB) and a 500GB SATA hard drive (which is painfully slow). This will run Mac OS up to Catalina out of the box, and Big Sur by using OCLP (OpenCore Legacy Patcher). I replaced the hard disk with a 2TB SATA SSD and went with the latter

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2021, 02:35:55 pm
content: Quote from: Wuerstchenhund on March 29, 2021, 07:46:44 amThis is why Apple now solders everything into the mainboard - no doubt we will see a fully potted Mac at some point!

author: Wuerstchenhund
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2021, 11:01:44 am
content: Quote from: SilverSolder on March 29, 2021, 02:35:55 pmI wouldn't be surprised, either, although I think the next step will be a Mac computer with the inside encased in glue or some sort of resin. And certified repairers will need an Apple-branded mini jackhammer to do any repairs

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 03:16:11 am
content: I ran a Mac OS Sierra on a virtual machine on Ubuntu VirtualBox... But I had it easy, all I did was download an already made virtual machine by TechRadar.One of the steps I remember is having to "fake" a hardware serial number otherwise the system wouldn't boot. So a quick Google image search found some Macs being sold with good enough photos of the backs to show some examples to try out.It worked, App store and account login functional, podcasts and videos all ok. However any apps that rely intensively on graphics didn't show anything (blank)... Tried some games and graphics apps from app store and didn't work. However WhatsApp and some others were fine. All in all it was a fun exercise and then I went back to using my Linux machine and never touched the Mac VM again.Take a look:

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 11:15:37 am
content: Thank youedy, for your reply.In the end, I gave up using 'VirtualBox' as a MacOS guest, as there were too many problems. HOWEVER, using 'VMWARE' Workstation'Player', (the free version), and modifying it with a free downloadable copy of 'unlocker', (easy to find!!), which enables a multiple of MacOSguest installations, certainly worked the best in the long-run, when actually using the MacOS guest!!Yes... there are problems running certain graphics intensive software, and that is it's limitations re: the Virtualization...