App Store: 500 internal Server Error

Try it in steps...

See if you can upgrade to 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14, or 10.15, see sys requirements...

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206886

https://itunes.apple.com/app/os-x-el-capitan/id1147835434?ls=1&mt=12

http://updates-http.cdn-apple.com/2019/cert/061-41424-20191024-218af9ec-cf50-4516-9011-228c78eda3d2/InstallMacOSX.dmg

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp742?locale=en_US

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macos-sierra/id1127487414?ls=1&mt=12

macOS High Sierra - Technical Specifications

General Requirements

• OS X 10.8 or later
• 2GB of memory
• 14.3GB of available storage to perform upgrade*
• Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
• Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS High Sierra:

• MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
• Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
• iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
• Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp765?locale=en_US

https://itunes.apple.com/app/macos-high-sierra/id1246284741?mt=12

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP777?locale=en_US

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macos-mojave/id1398502828?mt=12

Don't use FireFox for these links…

macOS Catalina - Technical Specifications

General Requirements

• OS X 10.9 or later
• 4GB of memory
• 12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*
• Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
• Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
• Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210190

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314?ls=1&mt=12

And caution on 10.15 or higher, to see which Apps will no longer work in 10.15 get Go64...

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/

macOS Big Sur - Technical Specifications

General Requirements

• OS X 10.9 or later
• 4GB of memory
• 35.5GB available storage on macOS Sierra or later*
• Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
• Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Big Sur:

• MacBook (2015 or later)
• MacBook Air (2013 or later)
• MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)
• Mac mini (2014 or later)
• iMac (2014 or later)
• iMac Pro (2017 or later)
• Mac Pro (2013 or later)

Learn about compatibility and how to identify your specific Mac model

Don't use FireFox or WaterFox for this link. it'll mess it up...

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-big-sur/id1526878132?ls=1&mt=12

And caution on 10.15 or higher, to see which Apps will no longer work in 10.15 get Go64...

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/

Don't use Firefox for the Link...

Try installing this in Safe Mode, but not downloading using Firefox...

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macos-mojave/id1398502828?mt=12

Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at startup).

Have seen a few other persons with this issue from Yosemite and El Capitan using the Apple Store. Suggest abandoning the Apple Store method and follow as per below >>

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.

With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install. In you case choose Mojave. Make sure to use Only Safari to commence the download as Other may not work

Make a Time Machine Backup Before attempting. Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina and Big Sur Only support 64 bit and there is no workaround.

Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...

System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.

System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.

The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.

Sys Prefs>Network>highlight the Interface you're using>Advanced>TCP/IP>Configure IPv4: Using DHCP.

If using Wifi, instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.

System Preferences>Network>choose interface>Advanced>Proxies Tab, make sure none are set, like for HTTP & HTTPS.

System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...

8.8.8.8

8.8.4.4

1.1.1.1

9.9.9.9

Apply.

I am having same issue, not using Firefox, I am using safari, not using a vpn, any 3rd party firewalls, antivirus stuff, etc.; however I have absolutely no idea what in the world to do with your latest reply??? I am just not sure what you are even saying, and apologize, but I just don't have a highly operating level of technical skill with computer stuff.

I am trying to go from Yosemite to any higher OS. I was able to determine Catalina is the highest OS this computer (Mid 2012's Macbook Pro, not sure why it shows an apple watch up there...) is compatible with, but regardless of which OS i try to install I get the 500 internal server error. I cleared browsing cache and memory already too as I read that can sometimes cause the 500 server error.

Thanks

Mike

Mike sorry I didn't make it easier, but where are you stuck, it looks complicated on the face of it, but taken one step at a time should be easy... how can I further help?

Getting too hot here, must take break until it cools off.

Are you running any VPN, Anti-Virus, or Cleaning apps?

Hi please i need help i'm trying to upgrade my mac from Yosemite to mac catalina and when trying to download all what am seeing is 500 internal server error please need assistance in this

Great work, thanks for the report & take care my friend. :)