How To Transfer Hard Drive Files from Macbook Pro

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How To Transfer Hard Drive Files from Macbook Pro

I have a macbook pro(late 2006 model) which won't turn on. Brought it to the apple store for them to take a look at. I was told that the main circuit board is broken and it will be cheaper to buy a newer macbook instead of fixing it. I was also told that the harddrive was ok. How do I transfer the files from my old macbook pro hardrive(which won't turn on) to a new macbook pro? They offered to help me at the apple store but it will cost me $99 for their "one to one." Can someone help me? Thanks!

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 7, 2011 12:11 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 7, 2011 12:15 AM in response to k-ci204

You can put the hard drive in an external usb caddy and use that. If you haven't got one it could cost half the cost of getting Apple to do it. You might have an old portable usb drive (not 3.5") that you can exchange drives with. It should not be too difficult.

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Answer 2

k-ci204 Author

Level 1

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Mar 7, 2011 12:39 AM in response to RedderTed

What size of a usb external harddrive caddy do I need? What is compatable with the macbook pro hardrive? Sorry I'm new to this....

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Answer 3

JohnLee

Level 1

19 points

Mar 8, 2011 11:18 AM in response to k-ci204

Any external HD case for laptop hard drives will work. However, as the poster above noted, it will cost you anywhere from $30USD - $50USD. And then you have to consider how comfortable you are with cracking open the old MacBook to get it out of there.

FWIW, I think paying the Apple store $99 to take care of this for you falls somewhere between a fair price and a good deal. Best of luck to you!

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Answer 4

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Mar 8, 2011 3:53 PM in response to k-ci204

k-ci204 wrote:
What size of a usb external harddrive caddy do I need? What is compatable with the macbook pro hardrive?

2.5" SATA. USB2 models can be found be found for $15 or so. Then the enclosure can be used with an old or new HD for backups/troubleshooting. I have way too many around, but I don't know what I'd do without at least one 2.5" and one 3.5" (but I prefer the faster FireWire 800 models, which are more expensive). In any case, I think it's safe to say you won't regret spending $15 on an enclosure.

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