How can I reset hard drive on my 2015 MacBook Pro that hardly boots up?

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Level 1

4 points

How can I reset hard drive on my 2015 MacBook Pro that hardly boots up?

My macbook pro's battery is gone and I chose not to purchase a new one. It doesn't start up unless I plug it in and let it reboot over and over again. If I'm lucky the progression bar eventually opens up to my desktop. And it's not always successful. In any case I can not enter recovery mode because of this to erase the hard drive before recycling. I can not reset it from the apple either, its too old and I don't have that option. Would anyone be able to tell me how to go about reseting the hard drive so that I can finally recycle it without worrying about my personal data. I haven't any luck with searching online.

Thanks

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Feb 5, 2025 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

artchick1125 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 7, 2025 3:12 PM in response to varjak paw

Thanks for the advice. I decided to tape down the control and "r" keys and by some miracle i tricked it into recovery mode and was able to reset.

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Answer 2

varjak paw

Level 10

182,686 points

Feb 5, 2025 4:05 PM in response to artchick1125

If you can't get the system to boot or even get into recovery mode, then the only way to absolutely ensure that none of your data could be accessed would be to open up the case, remove the SSD and smash it with a hammer. Anyone being able to get to your data is unlikely, though, since without your password to get into the Mac they'd have to erase the drive, and trying to get data from the SSD even if they remove it and put it in an external case would not be simple. And if you had FileVault set up on the Mac, then your drive is encrypted and the data will definitely not be accessible.

So you probably don't need to worry. I would as a precaution, though, change passwords to any financial accounts or other sensitive accounts, just for peace of mind.

Regards.

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How can I reset hard drive on my 2015 MacBook Pro that hardly boots up?

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