My mac didn't turn on normally, after I got in it was extremely slow and after wiping it, I can't even reboot it

mikkel155 wrote:

Hi I have a macbook pro mid-2012 Non retina where I upgraded the ram to 16GB and changed the hard drive to Samsung 860 PRO 512GB SSD.

After I did that it work very well and was fast. I was really enjoying it.

Yesterday when I woke up try to turn on my mac and it took forever to get to the Start Up page where I enter my password. When it was ready I saw that the it was different. The background-page ( that is usually the desktop picture) wasn't the one that comes with Mojave. It was grey and my user-picture was also grey. I was however able to enter my password and my username was correct.

I managed to log in and after I logged in it was extremely slow. I'm talking about even getting into finder to retrieve files.

So I did everything they recommend. Started the in Safe Boot/mode

Reset the SMC

Reset the PRAM (Shift, CMD, P, R if thats what's its called)

After trying almost everything I decided to wipe the SSD and delete everything and try to download the OS again from Recovery Mode (My files are saved on external hdd). I've tried to download OS from Internet Recovery, but get an error message. I've tried to install OS from Recovery Mode but It took 12 hours and when it was down to 3 hours it stopped and turned off. . Now my Mac can't even get to recovery mode.

My plan now is to try to make a bootable USB OS. And I have some questions regarding everything.

1) Is there a way to solve it or is my Macbook pro broken forever?

2) How do I know if it's a software or hardware malfunction?

2a)If it's a hardware malfunction, will it help to buy a new SSD? How do I know if it is in there the problem lies?

2b) If its a software malfunction. Will re-installing the software help?

3) Has this happened to anyone else?

4) Is there anything else you guys can tell my

Please help. I loved my upgraded mac.

Thanks in advance

If your Mac doesn't turn on

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204267

If your Mac doesn't start up all the way

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204156


If your Mac starts up to an Apple logo or progress bar

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207019

mikkel155 wrote:

I'm also gonna try to reinstall the HDD that came with the macbook to see if I atleast can get it to work. Do you recommend this or just wait for the SATA cable?

The cable could have issues even with the original hard drive, but it may work for a while if you need to use the computer.

@leroydouglas has provided a reference link to a replacement hard drive SATA cable and good information about system backups.

mikkel155 wrote:

Thanks, but i've tried all that.

Mac notebook, contact us and we'll send you a box you can use to ship it to an Apple Repair Center. We'll return your repaired product to you as quickly as possible. Depending on where you get service, you might be able to check the status of your repair online. Start a service request https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"—

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

Outside the USA

https://locate.apple.com/country

From iOS device using the app to make a online Genius Bar appointment is easy: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-support/id1130498044?mt=8

(note: due to the temporary closure of Apple Stores and the staggered reopening there may be some delays.

 ref: https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/store/temporary_closures )

Call Customer Support  (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753) 

or on line  https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call  AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE

Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support   https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209095

mikkel155 wrote:

Hi, I did not replace the SATA cable. I didn't know that was possible or that I should've done it.

The memory I purchased was Crucial DDR3L 1600MHz 16GB SODIMM for Mac. Was this an appropriate purchase?

I don't have any way to booting up the SSD externally. But I think i'm gonna try buying a SATA cable and replacing it (do you know which I should buy?). I'm also gonna try to reinstall the HDD that came with the macbook to see if I atleast can get it to work. Do you recommend this or just wait for the SATA cable?

Thank you so much! I will update on how it goes. You gave me a bit of hope

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.14

An external Boot clone can be very useful for more reason then one, and can be an effective part of your backup strategy. Booting externally will bypass both the internal SSD and the SATA cable as a definitive test about your macOS and the functionality of your machine.

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.

Boot clone https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-10081

SATA replacement 13"MBP mid 2012

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/8211480/%20%2013%22%20MacBook%20Pro%20SATA

Did you replace the hard drive SATA cable when you upgraded to an SSD? The cable has an extremely high rate of failure in the 13" model especially after upgrading to an SSD. Remove the SSD and try booting it externally using a USB to SATA Adapter, drive dock, or enclosure. If it works fine externally, then the internal cable needs to be replaced.

What brand of memory did you purchase? Macs can be very picky about their memory so for best compatibility it is best to purchase the memory directly from Crucial or OWC using the tools on their respective websites to get the exact part numbers which are guaranteed to be compatible.

mikkel155 wrote:

Hi, I reinstalled the HDD that came with the Macbook pro and it turned on normally. Does that mean that the problem lies within the SDD I installed or can that be coincidental and it's still the SATA cable that is broken? (I bought a new SATA cable, but havent installed it)

Change the SATA cable.

mikkel155 wrote:

It worked! Thanks so much guys!

Glad to hear this solved your problem.

You're welcome.