Copy files from broken Macbook Pro

Question

unite2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

Copy files from broken Macbook Pro

I had two old devices: iMac 2009 & Macbook Pro 2009

Hardware issues:

iMac: startup failure
Macbook Pro: battery

My plans:

Take both devices for recycling programme on third parties.

Before this, planning to ask to paid a third party service provider to copy my files from both devices to an external and to wipe off hard drives on both devices before sending to recycling programme.

Questions:

Do I need to proceeding these steps actually?
What is your best suggestion on solving this worry - avoid other people to seen files via local hard drive on both devices?

Thank you very much.

MacBook Pro

Posted on May 10, 2020 8:06 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Kappy

Level 10

361,753 points

May 10, 2020 9:07 PM in response to unite2020

What do those have to do with removing the drives? No power is required to do that. Just a Torx screwdriver to remove the bottom plates and the drives from their mounts.

If this is not something you feel comfortable doing and/or do not have the proper tools, then I suggest pursuing your initial plan.

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Answer 2

unite2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 10, 2020 9:18 PM in response to Kappy

Sorry, by your saying, these steps:

Remove local drives from both devices with any Torx screwdriver will do
Connect an external to a working computer
Connect external with those local drives from broken devices at the same time
Start copy
Done

Am I right?

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Answer 3

unite2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 10, 2020 8:52 PM in response to Kappy

ohh i see, the problem is, one startup failure (means nothing to show and can't get in to even safe mode), another one don't have battery anymore, so can't even start at all. i guess maybe another method?

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

361,753 points

May 10, 2020 9:23 PM in response to unite2020

Yes, but you will need specific Torx drivers. If you have a set, then you may have what is needed. If not, then you can get them from OWC or same type of store in your area. Only two are needed - one for the screws on the bottom plate and one for the drive mount.

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,753 points

May 11, 2020 10:30 AM in response to unite2020

Hard for me to tell but I don't think that is the drive. Is that a photo in the iMac or the MBP? I've replaced drives in a couple of 2009 MBPs, and the drive is clearly visible. There is only one point of connection to the motherboard, and that is from the rear of the drive. The drive is a 2.5" notebook HDD.

I have an older 2011 iMac. In that machine is a full-sized 3.5" HDD that should be in the upper right quadrant looking from the front with the front glass removed.

It may be helpful to visit the OWC website because you will find some video tutorials on how to tear down various Mac models. The pictures may be helpful in identifying the drives and their removal. If OWC doesn't have ones for your models, then do a Google search. They are out there.

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Answer 6

unite2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 10, 2020 9:51 PM in response to Kappy

You meant, to release local drive from both of these parts?

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Answer 7

Kappy

Level 10

361,753 points

May 10, 2020 8:20 PM in response to unite2020

Remove the drives from the computers. Get an external USB enclosure for them (only need one) from a source such as OWC. Then you can copy the files your want from each old drive.

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