Quick Summary
Error -1712 on macOS typically indicates a problem with file permissions, disk errors, or a corrupted installer package during software installation. This error commonly arises when the system is unable to write necessary files to the target installation directory or when the installer package itself is damaged.
Common Causes
- Insufficient Permissions: The user account attempting the installation may lack the necessary read/write permissions for the installation directory (e.g., /Applications, /Library). This prevents the installer from placing files, creating folders, or modifying system settings.
- Disk Errors or Corruption: Underlying disk errors (filesystem corruption) can impede the installer's ability to write data. These errors might affect specific sectors on your hard drive needed by the installation process. You may also get this if you are doing an installation from an externally connected storage medium that suffers from a bad connection or other connectivity issue during file transfer.
- Corrupted Installer Package: The downloaded or local copy of the installer file may have been corrupted during download, transfer, or storage. Corruption can prevent the installer from extracting its contents correctly or executing required scripts.
- Conflicting Software or Processes: Other software running in the background (anti-virus, system utility, or other installers) might interfere with the installation process. These programs could lock files, consume resources, or actively block processes needed by the installer.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Verify and Repair Disk Permissions
Step 1: Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities).
Step 2: Select your startup disk in the sidebar.
Step 3: Click "First Aid" and run the repair tool. This will verify and attempt to repair any disk errors.
Step 4: Restart your computer after the repair process completes.
Step 5: Try the installation again.
Method 2: Re-download the Installer
Step 1: Delete the current installer file.
Step 2: Visit the official website of the software you are trying to install.
Step 3: Download a fresh copy of the installer package.
Step 4: Ensure the download completes fully without interruptions.
Step 5: Verify the checksum if provided to ensure integrity.
Step 6: Attempt the installation again utilizing the newly downloaded installer.
Method 3: Run the Installer as Administrator
Step 1: Open Finder, and locate the installer application.
Step 2: Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the installer icon and select "Show Package Contents".
Step 3: Navigate to the "Contents” folder, and then the “MacOS” folder.
Step 4: Inside the “MacOS” folder, you should find an executable file (often named the same as the application, but not always, it is often easy to distinguish by its file type). Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities).
Step 5: Type sudo followed by a space.
Step 6: Drag the executable file from the “MacOS” folder into the Terminal window. This will paste the full path to the executable.
Step 7: Press Enter and provide your administrator password when prompted. This will run the installer by using elevated administrator privileges.
Method 4: Disable Antivirus/Security Software Temporarily
Step 1: Locate the icon for your antivirus or security software in the menu bar or Dock.
Step 2: Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the icon and look for options like "Disable," "Quit," or "Turn Off Protection."
Step 3: Select the option to temporarily disable the software. Make sure you understand the risks of disabling antivirus software and re-enable it after the installation!
Step 4: Attempt the software installation again. If successful, re-enable your antivirus software immediately.