macOS Sierra version 10.12. Matlab R2014a wont work.

I recently updated my mac OS and I am now unable to use my matlab software version R2014a. When I try to open Matlab, a large error message pops up saying Error Starting Desktop. I have looked online and tried some patches, but nothing has worked so far. I really need help getting the program back up and running. Thank you for your help.

[Fernando Malard]

I have just installed it and experienced the same issue (see attached image).

I need to stick with version 2014a due a class requirement.

Any clue?

[Walter Roberson]

I just tried again with my Sierra virtual machine; I cannot launch the R2014a installer at all (or rather, it bombs out immediately, with no message.) This is probably a java related issue, and you are more likely to be able to run the installer if you did an upgrade to Sierra rather than a fresh install.

[Nadine Chen]

I have issue for installing R2014 with my Sierra. Is anyone can help? please~

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/159016-is-matlab-compatible-with-mac-os-x-10-10-yosemite

[Antonio Scarvaglieri]

Thank you for your answer. Unfortunetly, I have tried this already and it still doesnt work.

[Walter Roberson]

Ah. In my experiment a moment ago, I see that on my Sierra virtual machine, that the R2014a installer crashes a few seconds after opening. I suspect it has to do with java versions, that the legacy java might need to be installed. I will do some testing. The files involved are large so it might take me a while.

[Walter Roberson]

I was not able to get the R2014a installer to run for more than a few seconds on Sierra. I tried using legacy java, I tried using current java, I forced the installer to use a java... but no go.

Notes for future reference:

Legacy Java: https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1572

Java 8: https://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

Sierra System Preferences might not show Java, so in the search field type in Java and it will pop up a java preference window

forcing legacy java:

$ cd matlab_R2014a_maci64/InstallForMacOSX.app/Contents/MacOS
$ sh -x InstallForMacOSX -javadir=/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/1.6.0.jdk/Contents/Home

fails.

forcing newest java:

$ FFFF=/Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins//JavaAppletPlugin.plugin/Contents/Home
$ sh -x InstallForMacOSX -javadir="$FFFF"

fails

[Mattias Cape]

As an update - I followed the link Walter posted above and ran the patch, r2014a runs just fine on my new MacBook Pro (Mid 2015) and Sierra version 10.12.1 (16B2555).

[Jay D]

I do not see a patch for the 2014a version, did they remove it?

[Walter Roberson]

The 2014a patch is present at https://www.mathworks.com/support/bugreports/1098655 but notice the patch file list is not in any particular order

[Fernando Malard]

Perfect, it works just fine now!

[Alexandra Sauer]

I had the same problem and this worked right away. Thanks!

Answer 2

[Alessandro Pollastri]

I uploaded everything from TimeMachine and it runs just fine. I have MatLab 2014a and MacOs Sierra 10.12.6. Is it weird?