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User profile for user: MBP2003
MBP2003 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Recovering Files from MacBook Pro Not Starting Up Properly

A few weeks ago while installing the latest version of MacOS, I noticed my MacBook Pro was having challenges restarting. The installation never fully completed and so when I go to log-in to my MacBook Pro now, I get the log-in screen (pic attached, the bright aqua font looks off). Then once I log in, it starts to resume the MacOS installation as if its working, but eventually I get this error message saying "MacOS could not be installed on your computer" and asks me to restart (pic attached). This is a nonstop cycle that occurs constantly if I continue to restart and re-log-in. I do not have a Time Machine back-up and will now be remembering that importance moving forward...


I purchased a new MacBook Pro last week with plans to upgrade anyways. Now I'm trying to determine how/if I can recover any of my files from my older MacBook Pro that won't start? I've tried numerous MacOS boot modes without much success and can't access Migration Assistant on my old laptop as I can't get to my normal desktop anymore.


Recently I tried getting back to Disk Utility and running first aid leaves me with an error message too. Tried to use disk utility to retrieve my user folder as a disk image and transfer that folder via cable but also received an error message. Finally also tried using Target Disk Mode but got an error message from that as well.


Not very experienced at this, so interested if anyone has any suggestions on how I might be able to recover any of my files. Very much appreciated!




MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on May 30, 2020 8:59 AM

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User profile for user: ryane77
ryane77
User level: Community Specialist

Jun 1, 2020 8:08 AM in response to MBP2003

Hello MBP2003,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities!


I understand when you start up your Mac you're getting a message saying macOS could not be installed on your computer. I see you've tried some great troubleshooting steps that have not helped. I'd like to help with this!


Have you tried macOS recovery? If not, let's give that a try.

About macOS Recovery


Let me know if that worked for you.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care!

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User profile for user: babowa
babowa
User level: Level 9
78,459 points

Jun 1, 2020 8:23 AM in response to MBP2003

FWIW, you cannot access the Macintosh HD Data volume since it is an integral part of your Macintosh HD - it is simply the read/write volume of your hard drive (where the regular HD is "quarantined" = read only and contains the OS and system files and is not accessible by anyone). If you want to repair your drive (which could have either failed or is just totally corrupt), you need to choose the overall drive. This may or may not work depending on the problem with it.


And, you are working with a minimum of space - it is recommended that you have an absolute minimum of 20 GB for a download and install of an OS upgrade as it needs room to expand for installation after the download. You only have 24 GB, so you may have a problem with that. So, you can try to get rid of some files and create more space.


Finally, while using Setup Assistant on your new one, did it not give you the option to transfer files from a computer? Have you tried that?

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Recovering Files from MacBook Pro Not Starting Up Properly

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