Hard drive issue after suspected Malware attack

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Level 1

4 points

Hard drive issue after suspected Malware attack

Hello, about a week ago I attempted to startup my MacBook and noticed it kept showing the apple logo and getting about halfway across the load bar before showing black code across the left top corner of the screen, and attempting to restart again. It does this in a continuous loop. I have accessed recovery mode and tried all of the recommendations I could find here, but am still unable to erase and restore the HDD. I get the error, unable to unmount volume, and upon running first aid I am told there is corruption that is needed to be repaired through first aid on the startup volume using first aid. In details it tells me there is an issue with the partition map that may prevent booting. I have stopped here as first aid elsewhere is not recieving errors, I have followed all the steps I can find and don’t want to cause any unnecessary issues. If anyone can help out or has had this issue let me know, thanks.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on May 30, 2023 7:36 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Ronasara

Level 6

15,013 points

May 30, 2023 8:26 AM in response to Stanlick94

Malware can't affect your hard drive. You can try the following items to address this issue.

Sometimes Opening Disk Utilities and running First Aid can fix a problem, but it may have to be re-run multiple times until it reports the disk is ok.
You may have to reinstall the operating system if the current one is too damaged. Try restarting in the Internet Recovery Mode. Press the Option + Command + R keys during startup to install the latest OS that is compatible with your Mac.
If none of these work, take the Mac to an authorized repair center for an evaluation.

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

60,308 points

Jun 2, 2023 8:44 PM in response to Stanlick94

What is the exact model of this Mac? You can get this information by entering the system serial number here:

Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support

What version of macOS was being used before you erased the drive?

Does this laptop have the original Apple drive or is it using a third party SSD?

Try running the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected. I suspect your laptop may have a worn out or failing hard drive. Unfortunately the diagnostics won't detected most drive failures.

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Answer 3

Stanlick94 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 30, 2023 8:49 AM in response to Ronasara

Thanks for the quick reply. In the last half hour the Mac changed startup to internet recovery mode and shows that I cleared the hard drive, and my max is now showing a different style UX, as well as tried to allow me to instal OS mountain Lion. When attempting to instal it didn’t show a disk where I could instal the OS. When attempting to follow steps posted for this issue, it’s telling me that Disk Erase failed again due to “Wiping volume data to prevent future accidental probing failed”. Help is greatly appreciated, I use this max for work and the nearest apple store is more than hour drive away, which is currently unreachable.

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Answer 4

Ronasara

Level 6

15,013 points

May 30, 2023 9:41 AM in response to Stanlick94

I'm not sure, but from what you said above, it appears that you must have tried to erase (reformat) your HD. If so, which I wouldn't;'t do at this stage, you need to first backup everything or all your data will be lost. Maybe someone else will have some better suggestions. I think you may need to make that hour drive or look for an authorized Apple repair center that is closer to you. Good luck.

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